Anmeldung (City Registration) in Germany [2024] - Navigate Germany

When living in Germany for more than 3 months, you need to get your Anmeldungsbescheinigung (City Registration certificate) from the city registration office (Bürgeramt or Rathaus). This article explains what Anmeldung is and why it is so important.

Anmeldung (City Registration)

City registration is a way to provide evidence of an address which is compulsory for residents in Germany.

Who Needs City Registration?

City registration is compulsory for every citizen and non-citizen in Germany irrespective of their stay (short term exchange students or long term). Anmeldung in your city is important to meet some basic needs like phone contact, Sim card, internet, personal bank account, and accommodation.

Ways to Do Anmeldung

Get your registration’s appointment, once you get your Anmeldebescheinigung aka registration certificate. Use it for doing Anmeldung, get a contact number, or a bank account while you wait for residence permit and tax ID. Apply for Anmeldung, the citizens’ office will give you a confirmation call (Meldebescheinigung) and you will receive your Tax Number, Social Security Number, and Radio Tax letter within a few weeks. Go to the tax office with your passport and Anmeldebescheinigung to get your Tax ID. Find the nearest tax office on Google “Finanzamt + your city name”.

Register Using Holiday Apartments & Airbnb Booking

You cannot register using Holiday Apartments or Airbnb booking because they don’t allow and provide you with a confirmation letter from the landlord.

Registration Using Shared Flat, House or Apartment

If you share a flat with other people, registration will be split between you. You will still get a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung either from your Vermieter (owner of the shared apartment) or from the Hauptmieter (main tenant).

City Registration Process

Book an Appointment at Local Citizen Office (Bürgeramt or Rathaus)

Get an appointment online or via call at the city’s Bürgeramt. Register to get your “Registration certificate” (Anmeldebescheinigung). 

Some Conditions of Registration

If you’re planning to move with your family, book a separate appointment for each member. You need a permanent address if you want to register in Germany. There are no registration charges, but some municipalities charge you fees in cash. Go to the city office 30 minutes before its opening time and get a ticket number. Take all required documents to make the process hasslefree.

Preparation of Documents

Mandatory documents:

1. Passport
2. Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
3. Anmeldung Form
4. Temporary Visa
5. Marriage Certificate
6. Documents of Family Members

Wohnungsgeberbestätigung

It is a signed letter of confirmation from your landlord as a proof of your permanent residence address. If you do not have permanent residence, give the temporary address. This is necessary to submit since 2015. Get an English translation of this letter: Here

Anmeldung Form

Each German city has a different form that you need to fill and submit with the required documents. Another (optional) form, Beiblatt zur Anmeldung, is for family members not in Germany. This is to know your registration status for other residential areas.

Marriage Certificate

Married couples should bring their original marriage certificate along with a translation document for registration.

Documents of Other Family Members

To register your family members, bring original documents of each family member including passport, birth certificates, and Translation copies. For a family of more than four, one person should come for the registration appointment.

Getting Registration

Once you get your token number, they will call you to visit the designated booth. The officers check your application and documents while doing some paperwork. Later, you will get a certificate of registration with a state stamp on it. However, you will have your Tax ID within two weeks. If you can’t speak German, you can send your German friend to the office by signing an authority letter.

Penalties For Delay or No Anmeldung

You must register within two weeks of moving to Germany. It is necessary to have a hassle-free life in Germany. Opening a bank account without a registration certificate is a little complicated. If not abided by or delayed, you can get a penalty of over 1,000 Euros.

Ummeldung (Change of Residential Address) and Abmeldung (Re-registering)

If your address is changed, you must register again through the Ummeldung office within two weeks. If you are leaving Germany, de-register yourself (Abmeldung) 1-2 weeks before leaving. If you do not inform the state, the state will charge you for services like health insurance, church tax, gym services, or other services. Check the state’s official websites for Anmeldung Form, and Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. 

Tax Reduction and Tax ID

Once you get your Steuer-ID, submit it to your employer to avoid paying the highest income tax. 

Final Words

Get an appointment as soon as you have a residence in Germany and register yourself within two weeks to avoid late registration penalty. You need Anmeldebescheinigung for your residence permit, Simcard, internet, insurance and banks