by Rebecca Dean
Updated on January 24, 2024
Anmeldung appointment at the Bürgeramt: How to register your address in Germany
Your dream has come true – you’ve finally moved to Germany! You get to your new home, kick off your shoes and get ready to start your new life abroad.
Wait – not so fast.
First things first, you need to make an appointment for an Anmeldung (address registration) at the Bürgeramt (citizen’s office). But never fear. This process doesn’t have to be like something straight out of Kafka.
Below we’ve gathered some of the typical questions people ask about making Anmeldung appointments – plus a handy vocabulary list that will put you in the know before you go.
If you plan to stay in Germany longer than three months, you definitely do. Anyone who lives in Germany has Meldepflicht (compulsory registration), which requires them to register their home address.
Yes, but do I really have to register my address in Germany? Isn’t this just a formality I can skip?
Not all countries require their citizens to register their address, so some people might find the idea strange. However, at the Anmeldung appointment, you will receive a document called an Anmeldebestätigung (registration certificate). You need this document for many administrative purposes in Germany, like applying for residency, getting a tax ID, finding a job or opening a bank account. Unless you plan to hole up in your apartment and keep your money under your mattress, life without a registration certificate in Germany would be very difficult indeed.
Still not convinced?
Remember, this registration is compulsory, and yes, potential penalties are involved. Anyone who does not register, registers late or gives false information faces a fine of up to €1000.
Technically, you need to make an appointment within 14 days after moving into your new home. This can be tricky if you’re first living in a hotel or Airbnb, which generally does not allow you to register. The same is sometimes true for sublets, so clear this up before moving in. However, as long as you have a lease, your landlord is required to let you register. They fill out a form confirming you rent their property which you then bring to the Bürgeramt.
Can’t make an appointment on time? No worries. Depending on where you live in Germany, Bürgeramt appointments can be difficult to come by. Just make sure to book the appointment within two weeks after you’ve moved in. Even if the actual appointment takes place later, you’ll be good to go.
In most cases, the easiest way to book an Anmeldung appointment is online. To do so, search for the term Meldeangelegenheiten (registration matters) and the name of a city or municipality in Germany where you’re moving. In some cases, it may also be possible to make an appointment over the phone or in person.
It’s free to make an appointment, although some agencies (particularly those offering information in English) may charge a nominal fee.
If you’re moving to a big city, it’s a good idea to book well in advance, even before you arrive in Germany. Anmeldung appointments can be tough to come by, especially in Berlin, so the earlier the better.
Once you book the appointment, you will be given a Vorgangsnummer (registration number). You will need this number at your appointment. If you lose it for some reason, you can call 115 and ask for it.
Need to register in a rush?
You can always go to the Bürgeramt and try to get a drop-in appointment. In this case, get there as early as possible, take a number and be prepared for a very long wait – if you get in at all. However, making an appointment is always your best bet to ensure things go smoothly.
At your appointment, make sure you bring the following:
Please note that the registration is free, but you do need to pay a small fee for registering vehicles. Payment can either be made in cash or with your Girocard.
Your Anmeldung appointment won’t take long – about ten to fifteen minutes max.
However, don’t be late!
Get to the office a little early, take a seat in the waiting room and wait for your number to be called. If you’re not there yet, you run the risk of losing the appointment.
Although some Bürgeramt employees might speak some English, the process will mostly be done in German. If you don’t speak German yet, it’s best to bring a German-speaking friend along. Many larger cities like Berlin also have agencies that send a German speaker with you to the appointments for a fee.
Here is a great list of words to help you navigate your Anmeldung appointment in Germany:
Nobody says it’s fun, but if you follow our advice, your registration process will go smoothly. Just make the appointment and gather all the documents you need, show up on time and register – that’s it. Now you can move on to living life to the fullest in your new home!
