Anmeldung in Germany: how to register your address

What the Anmeldung is

The Anmeldung is the registration of your address at the municipal residents' office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt). It is the first bureaucratic step after arriving in Germany and it unlocks almost everything else: without a Meldebescheinigung it is much harder to open a bank account, get internet or complete certain tax procedures.

It is not a residence permit application: EU citizens and visa holders register in exactly the same way. It is simply the notification that you live at that address.

Who must register, and by when

You must register within two weeks of moving into the flat. This applies to anyone settling in Germany, including medium and long stays, and to every new move between municipalities or within the same municipality.

If you move more than once, each move requires a fresh registration or an update (Ummeldung).

What you need

Step by step

1. Find your municipality's Bürgeramt. Search for "Anmeldung + city name". Booking is usually online; in some cities appointments are released early in the morning.
2. Prepare the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. You can find the form online or the office will give it to you. It must be signed by whoever rents the property to you: this includes a simple rented room or a friend's hospitality.
3. Book the appointment. Bring all original documents and, where required, the pre-filled form.
4. Go to the appointment. Typical duration: 10–20 minutes. They'll check your documents, enter the data and print the Meldebescheinigung.
5. Keep the Meldebescheinigung. You'll need it for the bank, insurance, internet, tax matters and much more. Make a digital copy straight away.

The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung

Since 2015 the property owner (or anyone legally subletting) is legally required to confirm your move. The confirmation contains the address, the move-in date and the details of the person housing you.

If the landlord refuses to sign it, ask for an explanation: without this document the Anmeldung is impossible. In cases of irregular subletting the issue becomes delicate: many cities have tenant advice offices (Mieterverein).

What you receive: the Meldebescheinigung

The Meldebescheinigung is the document certifying your registered address. It isn't an identity document, but it is accepted as proof of residence by banks, insurers, internet providers, tax offices and many others.

When you register, your municipality passes your data to the Federal Central Tax Office, which sends you your Steuer-ID by post. You can also use the Meldebescheinigung to request a residence certificate for specific purposes.

Common mistakes

• Registering too late. Book the appointment immediately: in large cities waiting times can exceed two weeks.
• Forgetting the landlord's signature. The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung isn't optional, it's mandatory.
• Registering a false address. That's an offence: your residence must match where you actually live.
• Not keeping the evidence. Store digital copies of the Meldebescheinigung and confirmations: you'll reuse them often.