🇩🇪 Germany

Anmeldung

Residence Registration

Easy 10 min RegistrationAddressMandatory

/ What is this form?

The Anmeldung (officially 'Anmeldung einer Wohnung') is Germany's mandatory residence registration process. When you move to a new address in Germany — whether as a newcomer or relocating within the country — you are legally required to register your address with the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt) within 14 days of moving in.

Upon successful registration, you receive a Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate), which is one of the most important documents in Germany. You will need it when opening a bank account, signing up for health insurance, applying for a tax ID, or enrolling at a university.

The registration form is called 'Anmeldung einer Wohnung' and must be submitted in person at the Bürgeramt. Your landlord must provide a signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation letter) before you can complete your registration.

/ Who needs this form?

Anyone moving to Germany for the first time
Anyone moving to a new address within Germany
EU citizens relocating within the EU to Germany
Non-EU nationals who have arrived with a valid visa or residence permit
Students moving into a new flat, dorm, or shared apartment

/ What you need before you start

Valid passport or national ID card

Signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation letter) — your landlord must fill this in

Completed Anmeldung form (available at the Bürgeramt or online for some cities)

Bürgeramt appointment (book well in advance, especially in large cities)

For families: documents for all household members being registered

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Your Address

Enter your new address in Germany exactly as it appears on your rental agreement or landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).

2 Personal Data

Fill in your full name, date and place of birth, nationality, and marital status.

3 Previous Address

Provide your previous address, including the country if you're moving from abroad.

4 Landlord Section

The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation) must be signed by your landlord before you submit. This is a separate document.

5 Submit at Bürgeramt

Bring the completed form, your passport, and landlord confirmation to the Bürgeramt. Book an appointment online in advance.

/ Key fields explained

Field	What to enter	Common mistake
Einzugsdatum (Move-in date)	The date you physically moved into the property — not the contract start date.	Entering the lease start date instead of the actual move-in date.
Neue Wohnung (New address)	Full street address including house number, apartment number if applicable, postal code, and city.	Missing the apartment number (Wohnungsnummer) in buildings with multiple units.
Bisherige Wohnung (Previous address)	Your last registered address. If moving from abroad, enter the full foreign address.	Leaving this blank when coming from abroad — always include the previous address.
Wohnungsgeber (Landlord)	Your landlord's full name and address. The landlord must sign the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung separately.	Forgetting to get the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung signed before your appointment.
Familienstand (Marital status)	Select ledig (single), verheiratet (married), geschieden (divorced), or verwitwet (widowed).	Selecting the wrong status — this can affect tax class assignment.

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Registering after the 14-day deadline — this can result in a fine of up to €1,000.

Not bringing the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung to the appointment — you cannot register without it.

Booking an appointment at the wrong Bürgeramt — register at the one covering your new address.

Registering only one household member when the entire family has moved in.

Not deregistering (Abmeldung) when leaving Germany — this causes issues with taxes and health insurance.

/ Frequently asked questions

What happens if I don't register within 14 days?

Late registration is an administrative offence (Ordnungswidrigkeit) and can result in a fine of up to €1,000, though first-time violations are often not fined if you register shortly after the deadline.

Can I register without a landlord confirmation?

No. Since 2015, a signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord is legally required. Your landlord is obligated to provide it within 2 weeks of your move-in.

What is the Meldebescheinigung?

The Meldebescheinigung is the official document you receive after registration. It confirms your registered address in Germany and is required for many administrative processes such as opening a bank account.

How do I register if I'm staying in a hotel or Airbnb?

Hotels and short-term rentals are required by law to register their guests. If you're staying long-term (over 3 months), you may need to arrange a formal Anmeldung with the property owner.

Do I need to register if I'm only staying for a few months?

If you are staying for more than 3 months, you are generally required to register. EU citizens and some nationalities may have different rules — check with the Bürgeramt.