How to register in Berlin: A step-by-step guide

Three easy steps are all it takes to register in Berlin at the Bürgeramt (Citizens' Registration Office). Let's walk you through the process!

Marle

3 minute read

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Updated on 18 Jul 2024

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Moving

After arriving in your new home in Berlin, there are some bureaucratic hurdles you'll have to overcome to fully settle. No need to worry, although the word "bureaucracy" alone might tempt you to procrastinate: registering in Berlin is a piece of cake. We’ll walk you through the registration process in Berlin and show you how to get it done in 3 easy steps.

Do you plan on living in Berlin for more than 3 months? Then you need to register your address at the local Bürgeramt (city registration office). You need to complete your registration within 14 days of moving into your new house. Without a registered address you don’t officially live in the German city you’ve moved to. Once you’ve registered you’ll receive 2 essential documents for your life in Germany:

• Your registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung): This is an official confirmation that you are registered at a certain address in Berlin. You'll need your Meldebescheinigung to open a bank account, sign your internet contract or register at the gym.

  Are you an expat or student from a non-EU country? In this case, you need your Meldebescheinigung to apply for a residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde (Foreigners' Registration Office) in Berlin!

• Your tax identification number (Steueridentifikationsnummer): This is a permanent individual number, which you'll use throughout your life in Germany for personal tax matters. Your employer will ask you to provide it before you start working or doing an internship in Germany. They need it to register you as their employee.

  Although you could start a new job without a German tax ID, your salary will be taxed at a much higher rate.

Good to know: Even if you move within Berlin, you need to change the address of your new flat within 2 weeks.

You’re curious about which requirements you need to meet to complete your registration? Well, lucky you! We checked out how you can book an appointment in a Bürgeramt (city registration office) and gathered all the required documents for you! Ready? Let’s walk you through this easy process.

Step 1. Book an appointment at the Bürgeramt

On average, you'll have to wait around 3 to 6 weeks for an appointment; so it's advisable to book an appointment at the Bürgeramt before moving into your new apartment. Feel free to book a spot at any Bürgeramt to speed up the process as this doesn’t necessarily have to happen in your neighbourhood in Berlin.

The best option is to register online at the Bürgeramt in Berlin:

1. Go to the official page for registering a place (Anmeldung einer Wohnung) in Berlin.
2. Find the blue box that says Termin buchen to book an appointment at one of the 40 citizens' offices in Berlin.
3. Choose a blue marked (meaning: available) date and pick a time.
4. Fill in your personal data:

• Your first and last name (Ihr Vor- und Nachname)
• Your email address (Ihre E-Mail Adresse)
• Your telephone number or mobile number (Ihre Telefonnummer oder Mobilfunknummer)
• Comment (Anmerkung)
• Tick the box for General Terms of Use (Allgemeine Nutzungsbedingungen)

Ta-da, done! Wasn't that easy? Don’t forget to add a reminder to your calendar.

Step 2: Get the required documents to register your accommodation in Berlin

While you are waiting for your appointment at the citizens' office, you should already collect all the documents you’ll have to provide.

• Proof of identity: identity card, passport, children's passport for German citizens; national passport, or passport replacement documents for foreign citizens. You'll need these for every person relocating with you.
• Supplement to the registration form: Do you already have another flat in Germany that you do not want to give up? If so, you’ll need to decide which place will be your main residence.
• Registration form (Anmeldeform): You can fill in the registration form online or download the original form and fill it in yourself. The official form has to be completed in German but the website also has an English translation.
• Civil status certificate: For your first registration in Berlin you might need to submit your civil status certificate (e.g. marriage, birth certificate).
• Confirmation of move-in issued by the landlord: The landlord is required to confirm the move-in through a written and signed form (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung), provided to to the person requesting their registration (you) within 2 weeks after moving in. Bring the original version with you, as a photocopy won't count here!
• The declaration of consent of the absent guardian and his/her passport or identity card: Are you under the age of 18? Then the person legally responsible for you must provide a declaration of consent on your behalf. (if applicable)

Step 3: Go to your appointment at the Bürgeramt

Almost done! Just to make sure that everything goes smoothly, it's best to arrive a little earlier than arranged (you’re in in Germany now, after all). If you miss the call of your procedure number (Vorgangsnummer (it’s the number you’ve received upon booking your spot)), you'll have to make a new appointment.

Now that you have made it on time, all you have to do is wait your turn and present your documents to the employee. That's it!

Within the next 2 - 4 weeks, you will receive your tax ID and registration certificate. Make sure that your name is in the letterbox of your new house so you’ll actually receive your letters!