How do I register my address in Germany?
The short answer: When you move into a flat or a room in Germany, you have to register at the local registration office within two weeks. It is usually called Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt [1]. You need your passport and a confirmation from your landlord [2] [3]. Missing the deadline can cost a fine of up to 1,000 euros [4].
What do I need?
- Your passport, with your visa if you have one [3].
- The confirmation from your landlord, called Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Your landlord has to give it to you in writing or electronically [2].
- Larger cities have several offices. Check on your city's website if you need an appointment [3].
What comes afterwards?
- Your tax ID (Steuer-ID) arrives by post automatically. You do not have to apply for it [5].
- If it has not arrived after three months, you can send a copy of your passport and your registration certificate to the Federal Central Tax Office. Make sure your name is on your letterbox [6].
- If you are from outside the EU, your next step is the residence permit at the foreigners authority, see Student visa for Germany.
The broadcasting fee
- Every flat pays the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) of 18.36 euros a month, no matter how many people live there [7].
- In a shared flat only one adult has to register and pay [7].
- Students from outside the EU are usually not exempted, because they have proven enough money for their residence permit [7].
Frequently asked questions
I only stay for one semester. Do I still have to register?
Sources
- Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz), section 17, retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bmg/__17.html
- Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz), section 19, retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bmg/__19.html
- DAAD, registering in Germany, retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/living-in-germany/registering/
- Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz), section 54, retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bmg/__54.html
- Federal Central Tax Office, tax ID in plain language (in German), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.bzst.de/DE/Service/LeichteSprache/steuerid/steuerid.html
- Federal Central Tax Office, FAQ on the tax ID (in German), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.bzst.de/DE/Privatpersonen/SteuerlicheIdentifikationsnummer/FAQ/faq_node.html
- ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice, information for students (in German), retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/buergerinnen-und-buerger/informationen/informationen-fuer-studierende
- Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz), section 27, retrieved 15 October 2026. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bmg/__27.html
The ClioAI editorial team · Published 15 October 2026 · Last checked 15 October 2026
This text was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the ClioAI editorial team. How our texts are made (in German). Spotted a mistake? Write to kontakt@getclio.ai.
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This page gives a general overview and is not legal advice. Binding are the Federal Registration Act and the information from your local registration office.
