Once an international healthcare professional has found a permanent place to stay in Germany, the new address must be registered with the "Einwohnermeldeamt" (residents' registration office). This also applies to dormitories and temporary accommodation.

Registering with the residents’ registration office

Residence registration is mandatory for everyone living in Germany and is free of charge. It serves as official proof of address and is often also a prerequisite for further important steps such as opening a bank account or applying for a residence permit. Having a registered address is also an advantage when applying for a job.

Registration deadline

Registration must take place within 14 days of moving in and signing the tenancy agreement. Missing this deadline risks a fine. Appointments fill up quickly, especially in larger cities, so it is advisable to book one early.

Where to register

Registration takes place at the residents' registration office of the city or municipality where the new address is located. In some places, the residents' registration office is part of the "Bürgeramt" (citizens' office). Appointments often need to be booked in advance, either online or in person. Several people sharing an apartment can generally register together. Since communication at the residents' registration office is predominantly in German, it can be helpful to bring along a German-speaking person for support if language skills are not yet sufficient. Many cities now also offer the option to register online, which simplifies the process considerably. Everything can be handled from home without needing an in-person appointment.

Required documents

The documents required can vary slightly by federal state. As a rule, the following are needed: a passport with visa, a landlord confirmation of residency signed by the landlord, and where applicable documents relating to marital status or children. The landlord confirmation is only valid with the landlord's signature. After successful registration, a registration certificate is issued, which should be kept somewhere safe as it is needed, for example, when applying for a residence permit.

Important notes on registration

To ensure that official mail can be delivered, the resident's name should be added to the letterbox immediately upon moving in. After residence registration, the "Bundeszentralamt für Steuern" (Federal Central Tax Office) sends out the personal tax identification number within two to six weeks. This is needed, among other things, for starting employment, opening a bank account, and renewing the residence permit. It remains valid for life and should therefore be kept somewhere safe. Information on two further mandatory payments also arrives by post: the broadcasting fee and, where applicable, waste disposal fees. Further information on the tax identification number can be found here.

Broadcasting fee and waste disposal fees

The broadcasting fee is mandatory for every household in Germany, regardless of whether television, radio, or the internet is actually used. It currently stands at 18.36 euros per month and is generally charged quarterly. The fee is levied per apartment, not per person – those sharing an apartment with others pay it only once between them. Registration often happens automatically, as the residents' registration office passes on the data to the contribution service of ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio. If no corresponding letter arrives within a few weeks, it is worth registering independently at rundfunkbeitrag.de to avoid reminder fees.
Waste disposal fees, on the other hand, are usually already included in the utility costs paid to the landlord. Tenants in an apartment do not generally need to register separately. Only those living in a house or responsible for organizing their own waste disposal should contact the local waste management authority directly to apply for a bin.
When moving within Germany, the previous address is automatically deregistered once the new address has been registered. Those leaving Germany permanently simply need to deregister at the residents' registration office. Since many important matters such as banking and insurance require a valid registered address, registering promptly is especially important.