How to Change City Registration in Germany [2025 Guide] 🏙🇩🇪
If you move from one city to another in Germany, you are legally required to change your city registration (Ummeldung) within a set period. This process ensures that your address is correctly updated in the Melderegister (residents’ database) and is crucial for taxes, healthcare, official mail, and legal purposes.
In this 2025 step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to change city registration in Germany, which documents are required, where to go, costs involved, and important deadlines to avoid fines.
📌 Quick Summary Table: Change of City Registration in Germany (2025)
| Step | What to Do | Deadline | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Book Appointment | Bürgeramt in new city | Within 14 days of moving | Free |
| 2. Gather Documents | ID/passport, Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, registration form | Before appointment | Free |
| 3. Attend Appointment | Submit documents and sign | Within deadline | Free |
| 4. Receive Meldebescheinigung | Proof of new registration | Same day | Free |
| 5. Update Address with Institutions | Banks, insurance, tax office | Immediately after | Free |
🏛 1. Understanding City Registration Rules in Germany
In Germany, city registration is mandatory for all residents. When you move to another city, the process is called Ummeldung (re-registration). This must be done in person at your new city’s Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt.
Failing to change your registration within the 14-day deadline can result in fines ranging from €10 to €1,000, depending on the city and delay period.
📄 2. Documents Required for Changing City Registration in Germany (2025)
Before your appointment, prepare the following documents:
- Valid Passport or National ID Card – Original required.
- Wohnungsgeberbestätigung – Landlord’s written confirmation of your move-in.
- Completed Registration Form (Anmeldeformular) – Download from your city’s website.
- Marriage/Birth Certificates – If registering family members.
- Previous Meldebescheinigung – Sometimes requested in smaller towns.
💡 Tip: Always bring originals, and some Bürgerämter may also request photocopies for their files.
📅 3. How to Book an Appointment for City Registration
Most cities require an online booking before visiting the Bürgeramt.
Steps to book:
- Go to your new city’s official website.
- Find the Bürgeramt section and choose “Ummeldung”.
- Select your preferred office and date.
- Fill in your details and confirm your appointment.
- Print or save the confirmation for entry.
Some smaller cities allow walk-in registration, but waiting times can be long.
📝 4. Step-by-Step Process to Change City Registration in Germany
- Book an appointment in your new city as soon as possible after moving.
- Collect your documents – Passport, Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, and registration form are mandatory.
- Attend the appointment and submit your documents to the clerk.
- Sign the registration form and verify your personal details.
- Receive your Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate) immediately.
- Update your new address with banks, employers, insurance companies, the tax office (Finanzamt), and other institutions.
💻 5. Online City Registration in Germany (2025)
While full online Ummeldung is still rare, some cities are expanding digital services through the BundID portal. To use it, you need:
- A German ID card with online function (eID)
- NFC-enabled smartphone or card reader
- BundID account
Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich are testing online re-registration in 2025, but most people still need to appear in person.
💰 6. Costs & Fines for Late City Registration
- Standard registration fee: Free in most cities.
- Late registration fine: €10–€1,000 depending on city regulations.
- Additional charges: Only apply if you need extra documents like certified copies.
📋 7. Tips for a Smooth City Registration Change
- Book early – Appointments fill up quickly, especially in large cities.
- Bring extra copies – They can speed up the process.
- Update address everywhere – To avoid missing official letters.
- Check opening hours – Some Bürgerämter have limited days for registration.
🚫 8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting longer than 14 days after moving.
- Forgetting the landlord’s confirmation letter (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).
- Assuming online registration is available everywhere.
- Not informing key institutions after updating registration.
❓FAQs
Q1: How do I change my city registration in Germany?
Book an appointment at your new city’s Bürgeramt, bring your passport or ID, Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, and registration form, submit them within 14 days, and receive your Meldebescheinigung.
Q2: How long do I have to change city registration in Germany?
You must re-register your address within 14 days after moving to a new city.
Q3: Can I change my city registration online in Germany?
Some cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich offer partial online registration via BundID, but most still require in-person visits.
Q4: What happens if I don’t change city registration in Germany?
You may face fines between €10 and €1,000 and could miss important official correspondence.
Q5: What is a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung in Germany?
It’s a landlord’s confirmation letter proving you have moved into a specific address, required since 2015 for all registrations.