If you are planning to move to Germany for more than three months, you will need to do the Anmeldung, which means registering your address with the local authorities. This is a legal requirement that applies to everyone, regardless of their nationality or visa status. In this article, we will explain why Anmeldung is important, what documents you need, how to book an appointment, and what to expect at the Bürgeramt.
Why Anmeldung is important
Anmeldung is not only a legal obligation, but also a necessary step to access many services and benefits in Germany. For example, you will need your registration confirmation (Meldebescheinigung) to:
Open a bank account
Apply for a residence permit
Get health insurance
Do your taxes
Register your car
Get a phone contract
Enrol in a school or university
Moreover, you will receive your tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) only after your Anmeldung. This is a unique 11-digit number that you will need to give to your employer, so that your taxes are calculated correctly. If you don’t have a tax ID, you will be taxed at the highest income tax rate of 42%.
What documents you need for Anmeldung
To do the Anmeldung, you will need the following documents:
Your passport or ID card
Your rental contract or sublet agreement
A confirmation letter from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
A registration form (Anmeldeformular)
The confirmation letter from your landlord is a document that states that you are living at the address you are registering. You can ask your landlord to fill out and sign this form, which you can download from the website of your city’s Bürgeramt. Alternatively, you can use this online tool to generate one.
The registration form is a simple form that asks for your personal details, such as your name, date of birth, marital status, religion, and previous address. You can also download this form from the website of your city’s Bürgeramt and fill it out in advance.
If your supporting documents are not in German, the Bürgeramt might ask you to provide a German translation. You could use free tools like Google Translate or any other tool of your choice. However, if you require support from a professional translation service, you can use Beglaubigung24 DE.
How to book an anmeldung appointment
You need to book an appointment at a Bürgeramt in your city within 14 days of moving to your new address. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. The online option is the easiest, especially if you don’t speak German well.
To book an appointment online, you can visit the website of the Bürgeramt or Standesamt of your city or town. Then, you can choose the service “Anmeldung einer Wohnung” (registration of an apartment) and find an available slot at a Bürgeramt near you. You will need to enter your personal details and confirm your booking by email.
To book an appointment by phone, you can call the hotline of your city’s Bürgeramt and ask for an appointment for Anmeldung. You will need to provide your personal details and preferred date and time. The staff will confirm your booking and give you a reference number.
To book an appointment in person, you can visit any Bürgeramt in your city and ask for an appointment for Anmeldung. You will need to show your passport or ID card and tell them your preferred date and time. The staff will give you a confirmation slip with your booking details.
You can find below the appointment websites of some of the major cities in Germany.
What to expect at the Bürgeramt
On the day of your appointment, you should arrive at the Bürgeramt at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time. You should bring all the documents mentioned above with you. You should also have some cash with you, as some Bürgerämter charge a small fee for the registration (usually between 5 and 15 euros).
When you arrive at the Bürgeramt, you should look for a screen or a board that displays the waiting numbers. You should find your number and wait until it is called. Then, you should go to the designated counter and hand over your documents to the staff.
The staff will check your information and enter it into their system. They will also ask you some questions about your personal details and address. If everything is correct, they will print out and stamp your registration confirmation (Meldebescheinigung) and hand it over to you.
You should check that all the information on your registration confirmation is correct before leaving the Bürgeramt. If there are any errors or changes, you should inform the staff immediately and ask them to correct them.
Congratulations! You have successfully completed the Anmeldung in Germany! Up on the completion of registration, you'll receive a confirmation letter from the Bürgeramt like the one below.
Change of Address – The Ummeldung in Germany
If you are moving within the same city or municipality in Germany, you need to inform the local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt or Bürgerbüro) about your change of address. This is called Ummeldung and it is similar to Anmeldung, but for updating your address instead of registering it for the first time.
To do the Ummeldung, you need to book an appointment at a Bürgeramt in your area and bring the same documents as for Anmeldung, such as your passport, your rental contract, and a confirmation letter from your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). You will also need to fill out a registration form (Anmeldeformular) with your new address details and hand it over to the staff.
The staff will check your information and give you a new registration confirmation (Meldebescheinigung or Anmeldebestätigung). You should also inform other authorities and service providers about your change of address, such as your employer, your bank, your health insurance, and your utility companies. Doing the Ummeldung is important to avoid fines and to keep your benefits, insurance, and taxes up to date.
Leaving Germany – Don’t Forget The Abmeldung
If you are leaving Germany, you need to inform the local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt or Bürgerbüro) about your departure. This is called Abmeldung, and it is the opposite of Anmeldung. To do the Abmeldung, you need to book an appointment at the same Bürgeramt where you are currently registered and bring your passport, your registration confirmation (Meldebescheinigung), and a deregistration form (Abmeldeformular).
Along with these documents, you will also need to provide your new address abroad. The staff at the Bürgeramt will check your information and give you a deregistration confirmation (Abmeldebestätigung). This is an important document that you will need to cancel or update various contracts, such as your health insurance, your broadcast license, your bank account, and your car registration (if applicable).
Doing the Abmeldung is not only a legal requirement but is also necessary to avoid fines and to stop paying taxes in Germany, ensuring a smooth departure process.
Conclusion
Anmeldung is a vital step for anyone who wants to live in Germany for more than three months. It is not only a legal requirement, but also a way to access many services and benefits in Germany. To do the Anmeldung, you need some documents, such as your passport, your rental contract, and a confirmation letter from your landlord. You also need to book an appointment at a Bürgeramt in your city within 14 days of moving to your new address. At the Bürgeramt, you will fill out a registration form and receive your registration confirmation and your tax ID.
Some Frequently Asked Questions about Anmeldung in Germany
Who needs to go through the Anmeldung process?
The Anmeldung process is a requirement for anyone living in Germany for more than three months, regardless of their nationality or visa status.