How to complete your Anmeldung in Germany?

Anmeldung is the mandatory process of registering your residential address with the local registration office (Bürgeramt) when you move to a new place in Germany. It’s required for getting essential documents like your tax ID, opening a bank account, or signing up for health insurance. Whether you're staying short-term or long-term, completing the Anmeldung within 14 days of moving in is a legal requirement.

‍

Below is the step-by-step guide to Anmeldung

1. Find Your Local Citizen’s Office (Bürgeramt)

To complete your Anmeldung, you must visit the Bürgeramt (or Einwohnermeldeamt) responsible for your area. In major cities like Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg, multiple offices handle registrations. You can locate the nearest one on your city’s official website or through the Federal Ministry of the Interior’s portal

‍

2. Schedule an Appointment

Most Bürgerämter require advance booking, though some may accept walk-ins in smaller towns. Appointments can be made online, by phone, or in person. Since slots fill quickly especially in big cities, check regularly for availability. New appointments are often released early in the morning, so booking then increases your chances.

‍

3. Required Documents

Make sure you bring the following essential documents to your appointment:

Registration Form (Anmeldeformular)

Th is the official registration document that must be filled out before your appointment. You can obtain this form in two ways:

• Download it from your city’s official Bürgeramt website (each municipality may have a slightly different version)
• Pick up a physical copy directly at your local Bürgeramt office
  The form requires basic personal information including your full name, date of birth, previous address (if applicable), and new German address. While some offices provide English translations, the form itself must be completed in German.

Landlord Confirmation Letter (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)

This is the most crucial document for your registration. This is a legally mandated form that must be:

• Completed and signed by your landlord, property manager, or main tenant (if subletting)
• Include the exact move-in date and full address details
• Contain the landlord’s contact information and signature
• Refusal by landlord to provide this is illegal - they can face fines

Valid Identification

• EU citizens: National ID card suffice
• Non EU citizens: Passport + Visa / residence permit (if applicable)

Marriage or Birth Certificate (If Applicable)

Needed if registering as a family or for tax purposes

All foreign documents must be:

• Original or certified copies
• Accompanied by German translation if not in English
• Some may require apostille certification

Religious Affiliation Declaration (Optional)

Germany collects church tax (Kirchensteuer) for recognized religions. During registration:

• You may declare affiliation with Catholic, Protestant or Jewish faiths
• Write “ohne Religion” (without religion) to opt out
• This can be changed later through a separate process

‍

4. Attend the Appointment

Make sure to arrive on time with all your documents ready. The registration process is quick and typically takes 10-15 minutes. Since officials may not speak English, we recommend:

• Filling out the registration form (Anmeldeformular) in advance (download it from your city's website)
•  Bringing a German-speaking friend or colleague if you're not confident in your language skills

This will help avoid delays and ensure a smooth registration process.

‍

5. Receive Your  Registration Certificate (Meldebescheinigung)

• When completing your initial registration (Anmeldung), you'll obtain two crucial documents at different stages. First, the local registration office will provide your registration confirmation (Anmeldebestätigung) immediately after processing your paperwork. This document serves as official proof of your residence
• Then, within approximately two to three weeks, you'll receive your permanent 11-digit tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer) by mail from the Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern).  This tax ID remains constant throughout your life in Germany, and your employer requires this ID for payroll purposes.

‍