General guidance, not legal or official advice. Rules differ from city to city and can change. Check with the responsible office.
Deadline
After moving in, you register (Anmeldung) at the residents' registration office, normally within two weeks. A late registration can lead to a fine of up to 1,000 euros.
What you need
- Identity card or passport.
- The landlord's confirmation of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). The landlord must confirm your move-in in writing.
- Registration form, often available online.
- For families: marriage or birth certificates if the office asks for them.
Good to know
- For a move within Germany you usually do not need to deregister at the old place. Registering at the new place replaces it. Deregistering (Abmeldung) is usually only needed when moving abroad or giving up your only residence.
- Appointments can be scarce. Book early. Many offices offer online appointments, but some steps still need you in person.
Other steps after the move
- Terminate or transfer the old tenancy, observing the notice period in your contract.
- Set up mail forwarding (Nachsendeauftrag).
- Update your address with bank, insurers, employer, health insurance and tax office.
- Update vehicle registration and, where needed, driving licence details, plus the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag).
- Tell schools, daycare and doctors, and think of local permits such as a residents' parking permit.
- Keep receipts: some moving costs can be tax-deductible. A tax adviser can confirm what applies to you.
All steps with their timing are in the moving checklist.
In the moving planner
With the moving planner you describe the move itself in a few minutes: addresses, floors, furniture. The summary reaches us by WhatsApp or e-mail, and your quote follows within 24 hours. That leaves time for appointments such as registration.
Plan your move