The Anmeldung: registering your address in Germany

Section 17 of the Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz) is short and clear: whoever moves into a home must register with the registration authority within two weeks of moving in. Moving out of Germany works the same way in reverse — you de-register within two weeks of leaving.

The registration certificate (Meldebestätigung) you receive is one of the first documents you'll be asked for in Germany, so it's worth booking early.

Sources: Bundesmeldegesetz § 17 — Anmeldung, Abmeldung; Service-Portal Berlin — Anmeldung einer Wohnung; both read 8 October 2026.

Berlin's official service portal lists for an in-person Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt:

• the completed registration form (Anmeldeformular)
• for foreign nationals, your passport, together with your electronic residence permit if you have one
• the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — a signed confirmation from your landlord that you've moved in

The portal is explicit on two points: landlords are obliged to give you this confirmation in writing within two weeks of your move-in, and a rental contract does not replace it. The confirmation must show the landlord's name and address, the move-in date, the address of the home and the names of the people registering.

In Berlin you book an appointment at a Bürgeramt; someone else can attend for you with a written power of attorney and the form you've signed. Berlin charges no fee, and you receive the registration certificate on the spot.

Online registration exists, but Berlin's portal limits it to adults who are German or EU citizens moving within Germany, using an ID card or EU eID card with the online function — it's not possible with an electronic residence permit. So most new arrivals from outside the EU register in person.

Berlin also notes exceptions: if you live abroad and stay in Berlin for no more than three months, you don't need to register.