How to yo your Anmeldung (Address Registration) in Germany #
If you’ve just arrived in Germany, Anmeldung registering your address is your first and most important task. You’ll need it for almost everything: opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, health insurance, or even your residence permit.
What is Anmeldung in Germany? #
Anmeldung means registering your home address at your local Bürgeramt (citizens’ office). By law, everyone who plans to stay in Germany longer than three months must register within two weeks of moving in.
Once registered, you’ll get a Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate). Keep it safe you’ll need it often.
Why Anmeldung is important in Germany? #
Your Anmeldung unlocks almost all other official processes:
- You’ll receive your tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) by mail within 1–2 weeks.
- You need it to open a bank account, get internet or mobile contracts, health insurance, or apply for a residence permit.
- Without it, your employer can’t tax you correctly — you’ll be charged the highest tax rate (42%) until you provide your tax ID.
Tip: If you need your tax ID quickly, you can visit your local Finanzamt (tax office) with your passport and registration certificate. They can often issue it immediately.
How to register Anmeldung #
Step-1: Book your Bürgeramt appointment #
To register your address (Anmeldung einer Wohnung), you need an appointment at your local Bürgeramt. You can book it online, by phone, or in person but online is the fastest and easiest, especially if your German isn’t strong. You can book your appointment before arriving in Germany, just make sure you’ll be there in person on the date.
Although many processes are moving online, your first Anmeldung must be done in person.
When booking, look for terms like “Wohnsitz Anmeldung,” “Meldeangelegenheiten,” or “Anmeldung einer Wohnung.”
If the site is only in German, use Google Chrome’s translate feature for help.
Major city links:
Berlin | Frankfurt | Stuttgart | Düsseldorf | Hamburg | Munich
Other cities: Google “Anmeldung + your city + Termin”
If no slots are available, keep checking, new ones often open early in the morning (6:30–11:00 am) or throughout the day.
In some cities (like Düsseldorf), you might even find appointments more easily on Sundays. You don’t have to go to the Bürgeramt closest to you, try different offices across the city for better availability. After booking, read your confirmation email carefully. Some cities require you to confirm your booking within an hour or it will be automatically cancelled.
Step-2:Required documents for Anmeldung #
If you’re registering as a family, one person can attend on behalf of everyone just bring all required papers. You’ll need:
- Passport or ID
- Landlord confirmation form (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) – This form is mandatory since 2015. It must be signed by your landlord or property owner confirming you’ve moved in.
- Your rental contract alone isn’t enough.
- If you’re subletting or staying with friends, the main tenant can only sign it with the landlord’s permission.
- Completed Anmeldung form – Available on your city’s Bürgeramt website.
- Visa or residence permit (for non-EU citizens)
- Marriage or birth certificates (if applicable, with translations)
- If you’re moving with your family (up to four people), one person can complete the Anmeldung for everyone.
Bring the original passports and birth certificates of all family members, plus official German translations if the documents are in another language.
You can download city-specific Wohnungsgeberbestätigung forms from your local Bürgeramt website (e.g., Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Düsseldorf).
Step-3: Attend your Bürgeramt appointment #
Arrive on time with all your documents. When you get there, check in using your appointment code or QR code, then wait until your number is called.
The registration itself is quick usually 10–15 minutes. You’ll hand in your papers and receive your Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate). Staff may not speak English, so bring a German-speaking friend or a interpreter if needed.
Can you do the Anmeldung without an appointment? #
It depends on your city. Some Bürgerämter keep a few walk-in slots on certain days check your city’s website for details. If walk-ins are allowed, arrive at least 30 minutes before opening to get a spot. Queues start forming early, and you’ll need to take a number once doors open and wait to be called. Make sure you have all your documents ready before trying a walk-in otherwise, you’ll need to come back.
How many people can register at the same address? #
In Berlin, each adult requires 9 m² of living space, while children up to 6 years old need 6 m². For instance, a 90 m² apartment can accommodate up to 10 people. A household with two adults and one 5-year-old child must have at least 24 m² WoAufG Bln
What happens when you register late in Germany? #
Technically, you can be fined up to €1,000 for not registering within two weeks of moving into your new home.
In practice, most Bürgerämter are more understanding especially if you explain the delay (for example, no available appointments). Still, don’t postpone it — without Anmeldung, you can’t open a bank account, get a SIM card, or set up utilities. The sooner you register, the smoother your life in Germany will be.
Checkout our guide How to Abmeldung in Germany
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