Moving in Germany
Everything for your move in Germany: Anmeldung at the Bürgeramt, Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, who to notify, parking permits and costs – with info for your city.
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! Moving in Germany: the key facts
- 01
Register within two weeks
After moving in you must register at the registration office (Bürgeramt) of your new municipality within two weeks. Bring your ID or passport and the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Missing the deadline can mean a fine. Many cities now offer online registration with the German ID card (eWA).
§ 17 BMG
- 02
Landlord's confirmation
Your landlord must confirm that you moved in (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung), on paper or electronically. Without it the Bürgeramt usually won't register you.
§ 19 BMG
- 03
No-parking zone for the van
Apply for a temporary no-parking zone at your city's road traffic office, usually one to three weeks ahead. The signs must be up a few days before the move. Each city sets its own fees.
§ 45 StVO
- 04
Re-register your car
When you move, the address in your vehicle papers has to be updated. You may keep your number plate even when moving to another district.
FZV
- 05
Moving costs and tax
If you move for work, the costs are deductible work expenses. For private moves you can deduct part of the labour costs of movers or tradespeople as household services.
§ 9, § 35a EStG
- 06
Who to notify
Employer, bank, health insurance, other insurers, broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag), energy and internet providers, the family benefits office – and set up mail forwarding with Deutsche Post.
16 Your town: offices & rules
- Baden-Württemberg1,101 municipalities
- Bayern2,056 municipalities
- Berlin1 municipalities
- Brandenburg413 municipalities
- Bremen2 municipalities
- Hamburg1 municipalities
- Hessen421 municipalities
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern724 municipalities
- Niedersachsen939 municipalities
- Nordrhein-Westfalen396 municipalities
- Rheinland-Pfalz2,300 municipalities
- Saarland52 municipalities
- Sachsen418 municipalities
- Sachsen-Anhalt218 municipalities
- Schleswig-Holstein1,104 municipalities
- Thüringen601 municipalities
Moving in Germany: what you should know
Moving brings a lot of paperwork: you must register your new address (Anmeldung) within two weeks, update contracts, and tell offices and insurers.
Here you find every guide and checklist for moving in Germany, in plain English, with the German terms you will see on the forms.
? FAQ
Q01How long do I have to register my new address?
Two weeks after moving in (§ 17 Bundesmeldegesetz).
Q02What do I need for the Anmeldung?
Your passport or ID and the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (confirmation from your landlord).
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