Everything you need to know General Information Germany Students

City Anmeldung in Germany- Everything you need to know

Snigdha DaluaOctober 26, 2022

259 3 minutes read

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City Anmeldung in Germany- Everything you need to know

When you arrive in Germany, one of the first things you must do is complete your registration (“Anmeldung“) at the local citizen office (Bürgeramt). Since November 2015, the federal government has made it mandatory for landlords to corporate with the registration office by providing proof of residence. Basically, having it is crucial, and registering at the resident’s registration office is done free of cost.

What is the German Anmeldung?

Your residence address is registered with the local citizen office (Bürgeramt or Bürgerbüro), through the Anmeldung (registration in German). If you want to stay in Germany for more than three months, you must register during the first two weeks. If you intend to reside in Germany, regardless of whether you are a student or a visitor, you must register yourself.

Why is Anmeldung important?

Your Anmeldung is the key to successfully relocating to Germany and gaining access to other important services like opening a block account, receiving internet access, activating a sim card, etc. The Anmeldung is also required to obtain your tax ID and residency permit.

You will get a registration confirmation known as a Meldebescheinigung or Anmeldebestätigung immediately after completing your Anmeldung, which you will be required to provide when configuring the aforementioned services. You will get your tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) by postal mail around two weeks after submitting your Anmeldung. Giving your employer your tax ID as soon as you get one will ensure that the taxes withheld from your pay are computed appropriately.

After enrolling, you can physically visit the tax office (Finanzamt) to obtain your tax ID more quickly. Ask for your Steuer-ID and have your passport and Anmeldebestätigung on hand, and they will be able to deliver it to you straight immediately.

The Federal Central Tax Office’s website has a search bar where you may enter your postal code to find the closest Finanzamt in your area.

Steps for Registration

1. Schedule a meeting with the local “Bürgeramt.” Try to schedule an appointment for a few days after your move-in date as soon as you have one. It may take some time to schedule an appointment in some places due to the heavy demand. Continue trying since they frequently provide open appointments. especially early in the day! You might also go there and wait there for some time.

2. You’ll receive an email confirmation after you’ve scheduled your appointment.

3. Your appointment’s selected day has come! Arrive 15 minutes before and bring these documents:

- Your passport
- Confirmation Letter From Your Landlord
- The Completed Anmeldung Form/Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
- Your Temporary Visa (For Non-EU Citizens)
- Married? Bring both the original and the translated German copy of your marriage license.
- Having children? If your children are also moving in with you, bring their birth certificates or identity cards.

4. A screen will be in the waiting area; wait for your number to show. It’s your turn when your number appears; proceed to the counter or office which is shown next to your appointment number.

5. Bring a German-speaking companion because many of the staff members won’t speak English.

6. The procedure itself takes between 5 and 10 minutes in total, and you’ll receive a piece of paper called the “Meldebescheinigung,” which is a certificate proving your address.

7. You may now proceed with your business and finally receive mail!

NOTE: If you move to a different apartment, you’ll have to go through the entire procedure again.

After you arrive in Germany, you must complete city Anmeldung as an important part of the documentation procedure. Although the procedure could take some time, make sure you have all the appropriate documents on hand to prevent hassles and save time.