Registering in Germany
By Alex
Summary: If you're moving to Germany, registering at your town's Einwohnermeldeamt -- Registration Office -- within 7 days of arriving is a must. The Tapxe blog offers helpful advice.
Whether you have your residence/employment visa or not if you plan on staying beyond just a quick visit you need to register at your town’s Einwohnermeldeamt (Registration Office) within 7 days of arriving. Beyond the fact that it’s required by law once you complete the process you will be given an official document, the Anmeldebestätigung. This document is key for such tasks as:
- opening a bank account
- purchasing a car
- signing up for cell phone service.
For the Einwohnermeldeamt to process your paperwork you will need:
- Passport
- Lease or other documentation from you landlord or company (if you’re staying in corporate housing)
- We found it helpful to have our letters/contracts of employment from our companies as well, though officially these are not required.
- Bisherige Wohnung [Previous housing/location] Nicht ausfüllen, wenn bisherige Wohnung beibehalten wird. [Don't fill this section out if you are keeping your previous housing].
- Die Anmeldung bezieht sich auf folgende Personen: [This document covers the following people]: Familienname (ggf. auch abweichende Geburtsnamen) [Lastname, if applicable include your maiden name as well. For example "Smith geb. White"] Vornamen (Rufnamen unterstreichen) [Firstnames, underline the name you go by]
- männl. [male] weibl. [female]
- Religion - say ‘keine’. For more details see Living and Working in Germany, 3rd Edition: A Survival Handbook (Living & Working in Germany). As the book says if you say yes to belonging to a religion “you’ll be automatically registered to pay church tax.”
About the Author
Tapxe.com is a blog by two expats who recently moved to Lörrach, Germany and are documenting what they learn. This informative blog offers advice, stories and photos on moving to Germany and traveling in Europe.
Additional Information:
- Germany Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Germany
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Germany
- Best Places to Live in Germany
- Real Estate in Germany
- Guide to Real Estate in Germany
- Pros & Cons of Living in Germany
- Cost of Living in Germany
- Understanding Mental Health in Germany
- Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Germany?
- Best Places to Ski in Germany
- Having a Baby in Germany
- Pros and Cons of Living in Germany 2024
- 2024 Guide to Moving to Germany
Comments
CarolynnellVery helpful. Thanks! I'm interested in hearing more about purchasing a car. We will probably want a small, sporty car. Is there any other kind in Germany? haha Also, our budget will require used. How is the used car market? Do the used car dealers "take you for a ride" like in the USA?