How to Abmelden (Deregister) When Leaving Germany #
If you’re packing up and leaving Germany for good, there’s one crucial step you can’t skip: Abmeldung – officially deregistering your residence. This simple but important process tells German authorities you’ve moved out and frees you to cancel essential services like health insurance, TV licensing fees (GEZ), gym memberships, and more.
To make things easy, here’s the only step-by-step guide you’ll need to handle your Abmeldung smoothly.
What is Abmeldung? #
When you move out of Germany and do not plan to return to your current address, you must officially deregister, this is called Abmeldung.
It’s important because:
- It informs German authorities you’re no longer living there.
- It allows you to cancel services like health insurance, TV tax (GEZ), gym memberships, and other contracts.
- It helps prevent future tax or legal issues.
Who Needs to Deregister? #
You MUST deregister if:
- You are leaving Germany permanently.
- You are giving up a secondary residence (e.g., you lived in two cities).
You DO NOT need to deregister if:
- You are moving within Germany (your new Anmeldung automatically updates your address).
- You are temporarily leaving but keeping your same home address.
When to Deregister? #
- Up to 1 week BEFORE your move-out date.
- Or within 2 weeks AFTER moving out.
- No fines for late deregistration, but better to do it promptly!
How to Deregister (Step-by-Step) #
1. Prepare Your Documents
- Completed Abmeldung form (“Abmeldung einer Wohnung”)
- Passport or ID card (copy if by mail/email)
- Authorization letter (if someone else does it for you)
- Proof of move-out date (optional; requested if late)
2. Choose How to Deregister
a) In Person at the Bürgeramt
- Book an appointment online for “Abmeldung einer Wohnung” at any Bürgeramt in your city.
- Bring:
- Completed form
- Passport or ID
- At the appointment, you’ll receive your Abmeldebescheinigung (Deregistration Certificate) immediately.
- Best if you need the certificate urgently
b) By Mail
- Fill out and sign the Abmeldung form.
- Include:
- Copy of your passport or ID
- Proof of move-out date (if you’re late)
- Send via registered post (Einschreiben) to any Bürgeramt in your city.
- Berlin address example:
Bürgeramt Ihres Bezirks (find your Bürgeramt here: Berlin Bürgerämter list) - Processing time: ~4–12 weeks
- Your Abmeldebescheinigung will be mailed to your new address (even abroad).
c) By Email (only in some cities)
- Some Bürgerämter accept deregistration by email.
- Attach:
- Completed and signed form
- Passport or ID scan
- Proof of move-out date (if needed)
- Email the correct Bürgeramt.
- Warning: Email is less reliable. You might not get confirmation or a certificate without a lot of follow-up.
Important Notes #
- Health Insurance: Cancels with Abmeldung (but notify your insurance provider separately too).
- TV License (GEZ): Use your Abmeldebescheinigung to cancel your GEZ fee: Rundfunkbeitrag Abmeldung.
- Bank Accounts: You can keep your German account, but update your address so the bank can contact you.
- Residence Permit: Leaving Germany for more than 6 months invalidates most residence permits automatically.
- Car Ownership: If you deregister, you cannot legally own a car registered in Germany.
- Pension Contributions: After 2 years, you may be eligible for a refund of your German pension payments, check eligibility with Deutsche Rentenversicherung.
If You’ve Already Left Germany #
No worries
You can still deregister by mail or email, no penalties, but do it ASAP to avoid contract or tax problems later.
Quick Checklist #
- Fill Abmeldung Form
- Copy of Passport/ID
- Book Appointment OR Send by Mail
- Save the Abmeldebescheinigung
- Use it to cancel contracts (GEZ, insurance, mobile, etc.)
Useful Links: #
Final Tip: #
Always keep multiple copies (physical and digital) of your Abmeldebescheinigung. You might need it months or even years later.
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