On this page
This comparison reflects the two city pages at the date of review. Appointment systems change often, so book through the city’s own service page, not a third-party site.
At a glance
- Deadline
- Both cities: within 14 days of moving in.
- Online route
- Berlin: eligible adult German or EU citizens with eID. Munich: not mentioned on the city page.
- Housing proof
- Both cities: Wohnungsgeberbestätigung; a rental contract is not enough.
Your checklist
First steps
Your checklist stays on this device.
One national rule, two local service pages
Registration is a national requirement, but each city publishes its own process. Berlin’s page describes an online route and an in-person route. Munich’s page describes one in-person route with a required appointment and printable forms.
If you are moving from abroad, expect the in-person route in either city.
Online or in person
Berlin’s online registration needs a BundID account, an eID-enabled ID card or EU citizen card with its PIN, and a card reader or a smartphone with the AusweisApp. Renters upload the landlord confirmation. After approval you download the digital registration certificate.
In-person Berlin registration issues the certificate immediately. Munich’s page does not mention online registration, so plan for an appointment and printed forms.
Families, proxies and special cases
Munich says one person aged 16 or older can register the whole family if they live together, with all IDs, one registration form per four people and a birth certificate for children without ID. Munich also accepts a proxy with a power of attorney, the proxy’s ID, your completed form and your landlord confirmation.
Berlin lets someone represent you with a written power of attorney and your signed form. People under 16 are registered by the adult whose home they move into.
What is the same
Both cities require the landlord confirmation, and both state that a rental contract is not enough. Munich says registration is free, while Berlin’s page does not state a fee clearly, so check the current service page.
Munich says you do not need to deregister from your old German address because registering in Munich handles it. For a move from abroad there is nothing to deregister.
Common questions
Can I register online in Berlin as a newcomer?
Only if you are an eligible adult German or EU citizen with a BundID account and an eID-enabled card. A residence card (eAT) is not accepted, and a first arrival from abroad is normally in person.
Do I need an appointment in Munich?
Yes. Munich’s page says you need an appointment at a Bürger-Büro before you go, and you must sign there.
Is the registration fee the same in both cities?
Munich states that registration is free. Berlin’s page does not state a fee clearly; check the live service page.
Which city is faster?
Neither page promises timing. Appointment availability changes, so check the live booking page and keep the 14-day deadline in mind.
Official sources
Read this first
- Berlin service portal: register an apartmentBerlin deadline, online and in-person routes, documents and exemptions
- City of Munich: register your residenceMunich deadline, Bürger-Büro appointment, documents, family registration and proxy rules
Rules can vary by nationality, work or study status, and city. Confirm your route with the official authority before you act.