Are you moving into a new apartment in Berlin? Here you can find information about deadlines, the process and the required documents for registering your residence.
Why is registration important?
Registration is required before you can handle many other important matters.
For example:
- open a bank account,
- apply for an Aufenthaltserlaubnis (residence permit), or
- apply for social benefits,
- obtain a tax number,
- and more.
You are required to register your residence. If you fail to do so, you may receive a fine.
How do I register my residence?
There are two ways to register your residence: by appointment at the Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Office) or online. Online registration is only possible if you meet certain requirements.
Answer a few questions to find out whether you can register online or whether you need to go to the Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Office).
-
Online
How to register online:
- You must register with a BundID account. If you do not yet have a BundID account, you must create one.
- You can register for yourself and for family members. If you are also registering for family members, click on "Bestätigung der Berechtigung" ("Confirm Authorization") in the form.
- If parents with joint legal custody live together, one parent can register the joint child alone. Click on "Bestätigung der Berechtigung" ("Confirm Authorization") in the form. Parents living separately can only register with an appointment at the Bürgeramt (Citizens' Office).
- If you have an ID card with online function or an EU citizen card, you will be redirected to the AusweisApp. Your address will be updated there automatically.
When you receive your Meldebestätigung (Certificate of Registration), check immediately whether all your data, for example your name, date of birth and address, are correct.
-
With an appointment at the Bürgeramt (Citizens' Office)
It can be difficult to find an appointment at the Bürgeramt (Citizens' Office). Here are a few tips:
- Check early in the morning when the new appointments are released.
- You can do residence registration at any citizens' office in Berlin. Click on "Alle Standorte auswählen" ("Select all locations") on the page.
- Refresh the page regularly until an appointment appears.
If you don't find an appointment within the first two weeks, that's no problem. If you are asked for the Meldebestätigung (Certificate of Registration) before the appointment, it is sufficient to show the appointment confirmation.
This is how your appointment at the Bürgeramt (Citizens' Office) works:
- If you book an appointment online, you will receive an email confirmation with a Vorgangsnummer (case number).
- Appear at the Bürgeramt (Citizens' Office) on time and bring your documents with you.
- When you arrive at the Bürgeramt (Citizens' Office), you will need your case number.
- Look at the screen: it shows your case number and which waiting room you have to go to. When it's your turn, you can also see here which office and table you need to go to.
- The appointment takes about 15 minutes. The person dealing with your application will only ask you a few questions. The appointment is not complicated: you can manage well even if you don't speak much German.
- You will receive your Meldebestätigung (Certificate of Registration) at the appointment.
Who must register?
All persons living in Berlin must register their residence.
However, there are four exceptions. You do not need to register your residence if …
- You are staying in Berlin for less than 3 months,
- you are staying in Berlin for less than 6 months and are already registered in Germany (in another city),
- you live in official accommodation because you are serving as a soldier (for up to 12 months), working as a police officer, or completing military service, Federal Voluntary Service or civil service,
- or you live in official accommodation because you are completing training or further education in public service.
What are the deadlines?
You must register your place of residence within 14 days of moving in.
What are the costs?
Registration of residence is free of charge.
What should I be aware of?
Some people offer appointments for the Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Office) or Meldebestätigungen (registration certificates) for sale. These offers are not official and are often fraudulent. Even if you pay, you may not receive an appointment or a valid Meldebestätigung (registration certificate).
You must actually live in the apartment you register. It is not permitted to register a residence where you do not live.
What happens after registration?
If you register your residence in Germany for the first time, you will receive your Steuer-Identifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID) by post. You will need this number, for example, for the Finanzamt (tax office), the Jobcenter or your employer. If you have not received anything after three months, you can request your Steuer-ID again from the Bundeszentralamt für Steuern (BZSt) (Federal Central Tax Office).
It is important that your name is clearly displayed on your apartment mailbox. Only then can the letter containing your Steuer-ID be delivered correctly. If your name is not on the mailbox, you must add “c/o” or “bei” to your address when registering your residence.
You will also receive the Beitragsbescheid für den Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcasting fee notice) by post.
Next steps:
- Steuer-ID (TIN)
- Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcasting fee notice)
Important
The Meldebestätigung (Certificate of Registration) is an important document that you must keep in a safe place. It is valid for you and, if you apply for it together, also for your family. You will often need it for other matters.
What happens if I move out?
If you move to another apartment for more than 6 months, you must register your residence again. You will then be automatically deregistered from your previous address.
Do you still have questions? Here you will find free and multilingual help that suits you.
Locations in this map
Ämterlots*innen
Show on mapJohanna-Stegen-Str. 8
12167 Berlin
Germany
BEFF
Show on mapPrinzenallee 25/26
13359 Berlin
Germany
Beratung zu Wohnen und Bildung in Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg und Pankow
Show on mapWe advise, support and accompany especially from Bulgaria and Romania newly immigrated people and living in precarious housing situations.
- in their search for an apartment and in their dealings with the authorities.
- to support the educational aspirations of their children of pre-school age
- who are looking for suitable childcare for their young children (0-6).
- with disadvantaged immigrant school children to help them succeed in school.
Boyenstrasse 41
10115 Berlin
Germany
BeWiM
Show on map[DeepL:] BeWiM supports particularly disadvantaged, newly arrived EU citizens and people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Outreach help is provided in particular in the form of advice in German, Russian, Polish, Romanian and Bulgarian and support.
The project/project "Advice for European homeless people in Mitte" is funded by the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the European Union via the European Social Fund Plus (ESF Plus) as part of the EhAP Plus program.
- Outreach work in Berlin Mitte
- Counseling in Polish, Russian, Bulgarian, Romanian and German
- Accompaniment to public offices and help centers, among others
Lehrter Straße 68
10557 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] after prior contact by e-mail or telephone
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf
Show on mapTrautenaustr. 5 (2. Etage)
10717 Berlin
Germany
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years.
Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence
- Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health concerns
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition
- work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Adalbertstr. 23a
10997 Berlin
Germany
Monday only by phone 9-12
Tuesday 9-13
Thursday 14-18 h
and by telephone arrangement
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years. Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence * Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health issues
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition * work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Oranienstr. 34
10999 Berlin
Germany
Mon/Thu/Thu/Fri 9 am - 4 pm
and by telephone arrangement
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years. Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence
- Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health concerns
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition
- work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Mehringdamm 126
10965 Berlin
Germany
Tuesday 9-12 h
Thursday 14-17 h
and by telephone arrangement
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Lichtenberg
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years. Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence * Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health issues
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition * work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Anton-Saefkow-Platz 3-4
10369 Berlin
Germany
Tue 9am-12pm (with Farsi and Arabic)
Wed 10-12 (with Vietnamese)
and by telephone arrangement
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Marzahn-Hellersdorf
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years. Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence * Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health issues
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition * work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Helene-Weigel-Platz 10
12681 Berlin
Germany
Tue 9-12 h
Thu 14-17 h
and by telephone arrangement
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Marzahn-Hellersdorf
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years. Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence * Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health issues
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition * work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Landsberger Allee 563
12679 Berlin
Germany
Thursday from 13 to 16
and by appointment
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Mitte
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years. Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence * Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health issues
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition * work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Stettiner Straße 12
13357 Berlin
Germany
Monday only by phone 10-13
Thu 13-17 o'clock
and by telephone arrangement
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Neukölln (Nord)
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years.
Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence
- Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health concerns
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition
- work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Morusstr. 18a
12053 Berlin
Germany
Thu 14-16 h
and by telephone arrangement
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Neukölln (Süd)
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years.
Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence
- Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health concerns
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition
- work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Joachim-Gottschalk-Weg 41
12353 Berlin
Germany
Wed. 14-16 h
and by telephone arrangement
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Pankow
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years.
Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence
- Naturalisation
- family reunification
- material security
- health issues
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition
- work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- filling out applications etc.
Dänenstr. 19
10439 Berlin
Germany
by telephone agreement
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Pankow
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years.
Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence
- Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health concerns
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition * work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Fröbelstraße 17 (Haus 6)
10405 Berlin
Germany
Tue 10-12
and by telephone arrangement
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Reinickendorf
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years.
Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence * Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health issues
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition * work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Humannstraße 27
13403 Berlin
Germany
Mon, Tue and Thu 9-15 hrs
and by telephone arrangement
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Spandau
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years.
Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence
- Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health concerns
- language acquisition
- work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Galenstraße 39
13597 Berlin
Germany
Tue 9-12 h
Thu 15-18 h
and by telephone arrangement
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Steglitz-Zehlendorf
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years.
Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence * Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health issues
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition * work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Schildhornstraße 72
12163 Berlin
Germany
Tue 9-12 h
Thu 15-18 h
and by telephone arrangement
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Tempelhof-Schöneberg
Show on mapThe Migration Social Service supports people with a migration background, including refugees and late repatriates from the age of 27 who have been living in Germany for more than 3 years.
Advice and information on the following topics:
- Right of residence * Naturalisation
- Family reunification
- old age
- material security
- health issues
- psychosocial care
- language acquisition * work and education
- low-threshold parental work
- housing
- civic engagement and volunteering
Willmanndamm 12
10827 Berlin
Germany
Tue 14-16 h
Thu 10-12 h
CURRENTLY there are no face-to-face consultations, only consultations by phone and e-mail.
Additional telephone consultation hours until 17.04.2020:
Monday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Wednesday 12 - 14 h
Watch this video to learn more about how to register your residence with an appointment at the Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Office).
