🇩🇪 Germany

Wohnsitz-Abmeldung

Residence De-registration

Easy ~5 min MovingAddressDe-registration

/ What is this form?

If you leave Germany permanently, you must de-register your address at the Bürgeramt (Abmeldung). This can be done up to 1 week before departure or up to 2 weeks after leaving. Many Bürgerämter accept postal applications, so you don't necessarily need to go in person.

If you move within Germany (to a different city or address), you do NOT submit an Abmeldung — you only submit a new Anmeldung at the new address, which automatically cancels the previous registration.

Failure to de-register when leaving Germany can lead to continued tax obligations and problems with health insurance, as German authorities will assume you are still a resident.

/ Who needs this form?

Anyone moving abroad permanently
German citizens emigrating to another country
Expats returning to their home country
NOT needed for moves within Germany

/ What you need before you start

Personal ID or passport

New foreign address

Completed Abmeldung form (available at Bürgeramt or online)

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Complete the Abmeldung Form

Fill in the Abmeldung form with your current registered address, departure date, and new foreign address.

2 Submit to Bürgeramt

Submit in person, by post, or online (where available). Can be done from 1 week before to 2 weeks after departure.

3 Receive Abmeldebestätigung

You will receive a confirmation (Abmeldebestätigung) — keep this for your records.

4 Inform Other Authorities

Notify your bank, employer, health insurer, and any other relevant parties of your departure and new address.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Auszugsdatum	The date you are leaving Germany — can be up to 1 week in the future.	Using the date of apartment handover instead of the actual date of departure from Germany.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not de-registering when leaving Germany — this causes ongoing tax and insurance complications.

Trying to de-register for a move within Germany — this is handled automatically by the new Anmeldung.

Not keeping the Abmeldebestätigung — you may need it to prove residency status.

/ Frequently asked questions

Can I do it by mail?

Yes. Most Bürgerämter accept postal applications. Download the form, complete it, and send it with a copy of your ID to the Bürgeramt where you are currently registered.