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Papers · Germany
Updated September 2026

🚚 I moved — how and where do I register my new address?

Direct answer

Registering your address is compulsory within a short deadline after moving (days to weeks, depending on the country) and everything official flows from it: the ID number, tax, voting, health insurance, school places. Register at Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt (bmi.bund.de) — online with a digital ID in many countries, otherwise at Ordnungsamt / Bürgeramt der Stadt (115) — with ID and proof of the new address (rental contract, deed, or the landlord's or host's declaration). Finanzamt — Einspruchsstelle (elster.de) and the other agencies are informed automatically in most countries — but check your tax and benefit accounts after a few weeks.

Call firstBürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt
Report toOrdnungsamt / Bürgeramt der Stadt
If that failsFinanzamt — Einspruchsstelle

🗣️ What to say

"I moved to [new address] on [date] from [old address / abroad]. I would like to register my address [and my family members: names]. Attached: ID and [rental contract / owner's declaration]."

🪜 Step by step

  1. DeadlineCheck the days allowed — late registration can be fined.
  2. DocumentsID for everyone moving, proof of address, for a move from abroad also birth/marriage certificates (multilingual form or apostille).
  3. Online or in personBürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt online with digital ID; otherwise Ordnungsamt / Bürgeramt der Stadt by appointment.
  4. Moving from abroadAlso: health insurance, the ID number if new, deregistration in the old country.
  5. Mail forwardingThe postal service's redirection for a few months; update the bank, employer, insurers yourself.

📇 All contacts

Bürgeramt / EinwohnermeldeamtRegistration, certificates, tax ID, ID cardsWithin 14 days of moving in🔗 www.bmi.bund.de
Ordnungsamt / Bürgeramt der StadtPublic-order office: nuisances, noise, waste, registration, lost propertyFor anything the city regulates📞 115🔗 www.behoerdenfinder.de
Finanzamt — EinspruchsstelleObjections to tax assessments, deferral, enforcementWithin one month of the assessment🔗 www.elster.de
Deine KrankenkasseDoctor search, appointment service 116117, cost coverageFor finding a doctor and coverage questions📞 116117🔗 www.116117.de

❓ Frequently asked

The landlord will not give me a declaration

Most countries let you register with the rental contract alone; if the landlord obstructs, Ordnungsamt / Bürgeramt der Stadt can register you on other evidence and the landlord may be fined.

Can I register in a friend's flat?

Yes, if you actually live there — with the friend's declaration. It can affect their benefits or taxes; tell them.

I have no fixed address

Municipalities offer a postal address for homeless residents so that benefits and documents work. Ask Ordnungsamt / Bürgeramt der Stadt or social services.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “register address Germany how”
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🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🔢National ID number→📑Registry extract→👥Stranger at my address→📜Apostille→

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