On this page
This guide covers Berlin only. The city’s online Anmeldung is limited to eligible adults who are German or EU citizens and are moving within Germany; do not use it for a first arrival from abroad.
At a glance
- Deadline
- Register within 14 days after moving in.
- Online option
- Limited to eligible adult German or EU citizens moving within Germany; not for a first arrival from abroad.
- Housing proof
- Bring the housing-provider confirmation; a rental contract does not replace it.
- Legal basis
- § 17 and § 19 Bundesmeldegesetz
- Deregistering when leaving Germany
- Within two weeks of moving out
Your checklist
First steps
Your checklist stays on this device.
Berlin’s 14-day period
Berlin states that you must register within 14 days after moving into a main or sole home. Some exceptions exist, so check the service page if you are staying temporarily or keeping another German main address.
Why online Anmeldung may not fit an arrival from abroad
The online route is limited to adults who are German or EU citizens, moving within Germany, and using BundID plus a compatible online ID. Berlin lists a valid ID with activated eID and PIN among the requirements. New arrivals should follow the city’s in-person instructions.
Housing proof matters
Berlin asks renters for a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from the housing provider; the rental agreement is not a substitute. The city may ask for marriage or birth certificates for a first registration, so check the current document list before the appointment.
What the federal law says
Berlin’s 14-day period follows federal law. Under § 17 of the Bundesmeldegesetz, whoever moves into a home must register with the registration office within two weeks of moving in. If you leave a home without taking up a new one in Germany, you must deregister within two weeks of moving out.
Under § 19 the housing provider must help with the registration and confirm the move-in within that period. The confirmation names the housing provider (and the owner if different), the move-in date, the address of the home and the people who must register.
Common questions
What is Berlin’s Anmeldung deadline?
The city says to register within 14 days after moving into the dwelling. Check the current service page for exceptions and accepted documents.
Can I do Berlin Anmeldung online from abroad?
Berlin’s online service is for eligible adults moving within Germany and requires BundID and compatible eID. A first arrival from abroad should use the in-person instructions.
Is a rental contract enough?
No. Berlin asks for the housing provider’s Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. The rental contract does not replace that document.
Is the two-week deadline a city rule?
No. It comes from § 17 of the federal Bundesmeldegesetz, so it applies in every German city. Check your city page for the booking process.
Official sources
Read this first
- Berlin service portal: register an apartmentBerlin-only deadline, appointment route, online eligibility and required housing confirmation
- Bundesmeldegesetz § 17: Anmeldung, AbmeldungTwo-week registration duty and deregistration when leaving
- Bundesmeldegesetz § 19: Mitwirkung des WohnungsgebersLandlord confirmation and its required content
Rules can vary by nationality, work or study status, and city. Confirm your route with the official authority before you act.