How Anmeldung works in Germany

1. When you have to register

The legal deadline is two weeks after moving into your accommodation. In practice appointments in large cities are booked out well beyond that — book first, worry about the date second, and keep the confirmation email as proof you tried.

2. What to bring

Missing one document means a second appointment, so check the list twice.

• Valid passport or ID card
• Completed Anmeldeformular
• Wohnungsgeberbestätigung signed by your landlord
• Marriage or birth certificates if registering a family
• Visa or residence permit if you have one

3. At the appointment

The appointment itself usually takes under ten minutes. You hand over the forms, the clerk checks your passport and prints the Meldebescheinigung — the certificate you will be asked for constantly in the next months.

4. What happens next

Your tax ID (Steuer-Identifikationsnummer) is sent automatically by post, normally within two to four weeks. You will also be registered for the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) — one payment per household, not per person.

5. When you move again

Moving within the same city is an Ummeldung; moving abroad is an Abmeldung. Both use the same office and the same short form.