Anmeldung starter pack

What the Anmeldung is

The Anmeldung is the mandatory registration of your home address with the local Residents' Registration Office (Meldebehörde). Everyone living in Germany is required to register. Source ↗

You register at your local Residents' Registration Office (Meldebehörde, often called Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt). You can usually find the registration form and the office address on the website of the town or city you are moving to. Source ↗

Anmeldung, Ummeldung, Abmeldung

There are three registration acts: Anmeldung (registering when you move into a dwelling, within two weeks), Ummeldung (registering your new address after moving within Germany), and Abmeldung (de-registering within two weeks when you move out and do not take another dwelling in Germany, for example when leaving the country). Source ↗

Still in temporary accommodation?

One of the most common first-weeks worries. The registration law itself sets thresholds for short stays — here is what it actually says:

Do this in order

1. 1Ask your landlord or property manager for the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — you can't register without it.
2. 2Gather your documents: valid ID or passport, the registration form, and the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.
3. 3Find your local Meldebehörde (Bürgeramt) and book an appointment on your city's website — or by phone (script below).
4. 4Go to the appointment in person and hand in your form and documents.
5. 5Keep the registration confirmation you're given — you'll need it for later steps.

What to bring

Bring a valid identity document (ID card or passport), the completed registration form, and the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (tenancy confirmation) completed by your landlord. Source ↗

The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung

The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is a signed confirmation from your landlord (Wohnungsgeber) that you have moved in. By law it must state the name and address of the landlord and owner, the move-in date, the dwelling's address, and the names of those registering. Your landlord must provide it within the registration deadline. Source ↗

Registering family and children

Children under 16 are registered by the person into whose dwelling they move — as a parent you register your children yourself. A newborn only needs a registration if the child moves into a dwelling other than the parents'. For adults with an appointed custodian covering residence matters, the custodian handles the registration. Source ↗

Registration form fields, translated

We explain what each field asks — not what to answer. When in doubt, ask the office.

Familienname / Geburtsname

Surname / name at birth

Vornamen

First name(s)

Geburtsdatum, Geburtsort

Date and place of birth

Staatsangehörigkeit

Nationality / citizenship

Familienstand

Marital status (single, married, etc.)

Religionszugehörigkeit

Religious affiliation — asked because it can affect church tax

Einzugsdatum

Move-in date

Bisherige Wohnung

Your previous address

Alleinige Wohnung / Hauptwohnung / Nebenwohnung

Whether this is your only, main, or secondary residence

Booking your appointment by phone

A short, generic script to book a slot. Ask them to slow down or switch to English if you need to.

• Guten Tag, ich möchte einen Termin zur Anmeldung vereinbaren.Hello, I'd like to book an appointment to register my address.
• Ich bin neu zugezogen und muss mich anmelden.I've just moved here and need to register.
• Wann haben Sie einen freien Termin?When do you have a free appointment?
• Können Sie das bitte langsam wiederholen?Could you repeat that slowly, please?
• Sprechen Sie Englisch?Do you speak English?

After you register

After registering you receive an official registration confirmation (Meldebescheinigung / Anmeldebestätigung). You will need it for later steps such as opening a bank account or applying for a residence permit. Source ↗

You'll need it to open a bank account — and you have a right to a basic one →

What tends to follow

Registering sets off a small chain of other paperwork. Two things you can expect — so a letter about them isn't a surprise:

Every letter that follows the Anmeldung, identified →