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Residence Registration (Anmeldung)
Germany
Last verified: 2026-02-20
Fees, fines, and deadlines are approximate. Always verify with official sources.
Key Registrations & Procedures
Residence Registration (Anmeldung)
Deadline: Register within 14 days of moving in (some cities allow 7 days for Berlin)
Processing Time: Same day — Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate) issued immediately at the counter
Fees: Free
Appointment: Required in most cities (book online). Berlin, Munich, Hamburg have severe appointment shortages — book immediately upon finding housing. Try buergeramt-termine.de or similar tools for Berlin.
Required Documents:
- Valid passport or EU/EEA national ID card
- Completed Anmeldeformular (registration form — download online or get at office)
- Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation form) — your landlord MUST sign this confirming your move-in date and address. Required by law since 2015.
- Rental contract (Mietvertrag) — not always required but strongly recommended to bring
Where to Do It:
Any Bürgeramt in your city. In Berlin: any Bürgeramt across all districts (you can register at any one, not just your Bezirk). In Munich: KVR (Kreisverwaltungsreferat). In Hamburg: Kundenzentrum. Book appointments online via city websites.
If You Don't Do It:
Fines of up to approximately €1,000 for late registration. Landlords face fines up to €50,000 for not providing the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Without Anmeldung, you may not be able to open a bank account, get a tax ID, sign a phone contract, or enroll children in school.
Regional Variations: Every German state (Bundesland) uses the same federal law, but appointment systems differ. Berlin is notoriously difficult for appointments — start booking before you arrive.
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