City Registration (Anmeldung) in Germany
Everyone who moves into a home in Germany must register the address within 14 days. Here is how students from India and Pakistan do it. Amounts are in euro (EUR).
What City Registration Is
Germany keeps a record of where people live. You register at the Citizens' Office (the city office), and you get a registration certificate with your name and address.
Register within 14 days of moving into your only or main home. If you have more than one home in Germany, your main home is the one you use most.
Your university
Give your university your new address.
Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde)
The city office for people from other countries. It asks for your registration certificate, or your lease with the landlord confirmation.
TV and radio fee service
The registration office tells it about your new home. It then writes to you.
How to Register Your Address
Follow these steps after you move in.
Move in
Your 14 days start on the day you move into your only or main home.
Get the landlord confirmation
Your landlord must give you a signed landlord confirmation within two weeks of your move.
Book an appointment
Book an appointment at the Citizens' Office (Bürgeramt) and go in person, or send someone with a written power of attorney.
Bring your papers
The filled-in registration form, your passport and the landlord confirmation.
Get your certificate
After the papers are checked, you get your registration certificate (Meldebestätigung) at once.
| Institution | Deadline | Method | Consequences of Missing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citizens' Office (Bürgeramt) | Within 14 days of moving in | In person at the Citizens' Office | You need the registration certificate to apply for your residence permit. |
| Your landlord | Within two weeks of your move | In writing, signed | Without it you cannot register. |
| Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde) | Before your visa ends. Check the date on your visa. | Online application in Berlin | Apply for your residence permit with your registration certificate. |
Our Tip
Papers for City Registration
Bring these to your Citizens' Office appointment.
- Your passport. If you have it, bring your residence permit card (eAT) too.
- Landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung), signed by your landlord.
- It must show the landlord's name and address, your move-in date, the address and the names of the people moving in.
- The filled-in registration form, signed by you.
- A written power of attorney.
Good to Know
Points that matter for students.
Each time you move into a new main home, register again within 14 days.
In Berlin, if your home is in another country and you stay three months or less, you do not need to register.
Use your registration certificate to apply for your residence permit.
Register within 14 days
Rental contract is not enough
City Registration Questions
Answers about city registration for students from India and Pakistan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Myth: A rental contract is enough to register.
Reality: No. You also need the landlord confirmation.
Myth: Registration has a fee.
Reality: In Berlin it is free.
Myth: I can register online like German students.
Reality: No. In Berlin, online registration needs a German or EU ID card.
Complete Guide to Germany
Explore all aspects of studying in Germany with our comprehensive guides
Post-Arrival - Detailed Guides
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get personalized guidance for studying in Germany with our expert consultants
Get Free ConsultationNeed help with your city registration in Germany?
We help you get your landlord confirmation and papers ready, so your registration and your residence permit for study (the card that lets you live in Germany while you study) go smoothly.
Talk to Our Team