These are city procedures, not a complete guide to every German municipality. Use the service page for the city where your new home is located.
Your checklist
First steps
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Berlin: 14 days and an in-person route for new arrivals
Berlin’s service page sets a 14-day deadline after moving into a dwelling. The online service does not cover a first move to Germany from abroad: its listed online route is for eligible adults moving within Germany and requires the stated digital identity credentials.
For an arrival from abroad, use the in-person service. The city requires a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from the housing provider. Do not rely on the lease alone as a substitute.
Bremen: all household members attend
Bremen’s instructions for a move from abroad require an in-person registration within two weeks. The people moving must attend themselves, including children; the city does not allow a representative to complete this registration for them.
Appointment availability can be tight. Bremen says that if no appointment is available within two weeks, making the appointment booking within that period meets the deadline. Keep the booking evidence and follow the appointment instructions.
Use the right local page
Deadlines and practical steps can differ between German cities. These Berlin and Bremen examples should not be applied automatically to another municipality; check the responsible registration office for your address.
Address registration is not a visa or residence permit. If your nationality requires immigration permission, handle that process separately.
Common questions
What is the registration deadline in Berlin?
Berlin’s service page says to register within 14 days of moving into a dwelling. Check the city’s current instructions for the exact documents and appointment route.
Can I use Berlin’s online Anmeldung after moving to Germany from abroad?
The online route is limited to eligible adults moving within Germany and requires compatible digital identity credentials. A first registration after arrival from abroad follows Berlin’s in-person procedure.
Do all family members need to attend in Bremen?
For Bremen’s move-from-abroad procedure, everyone moving, including children, must appear in person. A representative cannot file in their place.
Is a rental contract enough for Berlin Anmeldung?
Berlin asks for the official Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from the housing provider. Do not treat the rental contract as a replacement.
Official sources
Read this first
- Berlin service portal: register an apartmentBerlin procedure, 14-day deadline, online eligibility, and housing-provider confirmation
- Bremen service portal: register after moving from abroadBremen’s in-person procedure, attendance, deadline, and appointment rule
Rules can vary by nationality, work or study status, and city. Confirm your route with the official authority before you act.