🏠 Anmeldung in Germany: registering your address step by step

Bürgeramt appointment, required documents, landlord confirmation — how to complete the mandatory registration without stress.

1. What is the Anmeldung?

Anyone who moves into a home in Germany must register at the residents' registration office (Bürgeramt) within 14 days. The registration certificate is needed for a bank account, phone contract, tax ID and childcare.

2. Book an appointment

In big cities slots fill fast — search online for "Bürgeramt Termin + city" right after moving in. Many offices release new slots in the morning. If needed, book a slot in a neighbouring district.

3. Documents to bring

Passport or ID card, the completed registration form (downloadable online) and the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). Families should also bring birth and marriage certificates.

4. Landlord confirmation

The landlord is legally required to confirm your move-in within 14 days. Without this document there is no registration. Be careful with listings saying "no Anmeldung possible" — often a sign of dubious subletting.

5. After registering

You receive the registration certificate immediately; the tax ID arrives by post within 2–4 weeks. Remember to update the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) and register a second residence if needed.