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).
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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.
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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
Migrationssozialdienst (MSD) Treptow-Köpenick
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
Mathildenstraße 1 a
12459 Berlin
Germany
Thu 14-16 h
and by telephone arrangement
Wohnraumberatung für Menschen mit Flucht-/Migrationshintergrund
Show on map[DeepL:] For refugees and people with a migration background who live in Pankow and are looking for an apartment. We help individual adults and families.
- Information on finding housing (e.g. search the Internet, documents, applications, cost transfers, electricity/gas/telephone, etc.).
*Assisting with housing applications and paperwork.
*Hunting for an apartment together to show how it is done
*Assisting with initial apartment viewings, if necessary
*Assistance in signing the lease, help in understanding the lease agreement
*Education on rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
*Referral to other important counseling services
Börnestraße 12
13086 Berlin
Germany
[DeepL:] We have a telephone consultation hour. For new registrations please call the office hours: Wednesdays, 9.00-13.00 hrs.
Wohnscouting
Show on mapWeekly search consultation hour for joint apartment search on the computer every Tuesday from 3 to 6 pm and Thursday from 2 to 5 pm.
There you have the opportunity to create housing applications together, to dedicate yourself independently to the search for housing on the computer or to arrange viewing appointments directly.
The offer takes place at the AWO Begegnungszentrum Kreuzberg, Adalbertstraße 23a, 10997 Berlin.
+++ Until further notice there are no office hours, individual appointments by prior arrangement (by mail or phone) are possible.+++
Urbanstraße 21
10961 Berlin
Germany
Consultation hour for joint apartment search
in the AWO meeting centre Kreuzberg
Adalbertstraße 23a, 10997 Berlin:
Tuesday: 15.00h - 18.00h
Thursday: 14.00h - 17.00h
Zentrale Beratungsstelle für Menschen in Wohnungsnot
Show on mapCounselling and further assistance for people who do not have their own home or are at risk of losing their home. Also for people with unclear residence status.
- Free individual counselling in an acute emergency situation
- Support in the enforcement of social legal claims
- Support with problems with authorities and offices
- Referral to suitable further assistance and facilities
- Possibility to set up a postal address and lockers
Levetzowstraße 12a
10555 Berlin
Germany
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 09:00-12:00 (registration until 11:30),
Wednesday 15:00-18:00 for working people
Zuhause in Berlin
Show on mapAlt-Reinickendorf 25
13407 Berlin
Germany
мост
Show on mapStralauer Platz 32
10243 Berlin
Germany
Watch this video to learn more about how to register your residence with an appointment at the Bürgeramt (Citizens’ Office).
