Registration in Germany — Step by Step in 2026

Introduction / Who is it for

Anmeldung (registration) is a mandatory registration for anyone living in Germany for more than 3 months. Without Anmeldung, you CANNOT open a bank account, CANNOT sign an employment contract "on the books", CANNOT obtain a Steuer-ID, CANNOT register a child in school.

Deadline

You have 2 weeks from moving into a new apartment. Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to 1,000 €. In practice, fines are rarely imposed, but delays block all other matters.

Where to make an appointment

At the Bürgeramt (district office) or Einwohnermeldeamt (registration office) — depending on the city:

• Berlin: service.berlin.de — book online; no appointments available for 2-4 weeks
• Munich: muenchen.de/buergerservice
• Hamburg: serviceportal.hamburg.de
• Small towns: usually walk-in without an appointment

TIP: in large cities (Berlin, Munich), appointments are booked 1-3 months in advance. Schedule before moving in, not after. If there are no available appointments, check every morning (cancellations free up slots).

Required documents

• Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — confirmation from the landlord that you have moved in; the landlord must issue this within 2 weeks
• Passport or ID card (for Poles — an ID card is sufficient)
• Completed Anmeldung form — download from the Bürgeramt website or get it at the office
• Marriage certificate (if spouse is also registering)
• Child's birth certificate (if applicable)
• All documents in German or with a certified translation

Step by step

1. Find an apartment and sign the rental agreement (Mietvertrag)
2. Request the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from the landlord/agency — a simple form, signed by the landlord
3. Make an appointment at the Bürgeramt closest to your district
4. Fill out the Anmeldung form at home — questions about personal data, religion (for church tax), previous address
5. Attend the office with the documents
6. You will receive an Anmeldebestätigung — registration confirmation. KEEP IT — it will be needed everywhere

Costs

Anmeldung is free of charge.

What you receive after Anmeldung

• Anmeldebestätigung — paper confirmation of registration
• Steuer-Identifikationsnummer (Steuer-ID) — 11-digit tax number, sent by mail within 2-4 weeks
• Ability to open a bank account
• Ability to sign an employment contract with tax deductions
• Ability to register a child in school/kindergarten
• Ability to apply for Kindergeld

Religion and Kirchensteuer

The form includes a question about religion. NOTE: if you declare "Katholisch" or "Evangelisch", you will pay church tax (Kirchensteuer) — 8-9% of your income tax. You can select "konfessionslos" (no religion) — this is legal and does not block Anmeldung.

Common mistakes

• Waiting to register until needed (e.g., to open an account) — blocks everything
• Lack of Wohnungsgeberbestätigung — you cannot register without it
• Omitting the registration of children — every resident must register, regardless of age
• Not changing registration after moving — Ummeldung also has a 2-week deadline
• Living with friends without their consent for Anmeldung — the landlord must issue a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung

What’s next

After Anmeldung, the next steps for Poles in Germany:

• Opening a bank account (Sparkasse, ING, N26, Postbank)
• Choosing a Krankenkasse (health insurance) — TK, AOK, Barmer
• Applying for Steuer-ID and Lohnsteuerkarte
• Renting a mailbox with a Polish name (Postfach if temporary address)