Reregistration after the move - how it works

After the move, the first way to the residents' registration office is usually to register. We will explain to you what you need to consider and which other offices you should not forget to register with.

Reregistration at the registration office after the move

The most important thing after the move is the registration in the registration office. If you miss the deadline, you may be charged. In addition, some other registrations are only possible after re-registration.

• You can find the address of the registration office responsible for you on the website of the city or the municipality. Depending on where you moved to, it can also be called the district office or the citizens' office .
• You are legally obliged to apply for your re-registration if you plan to live there for more than 6 months.
• If you have moved within a city or town, you have to register . If you move to another city, the process is called register . The form for this is usually the same.
• You do not have to deregister your current place of residence. This happens automatically with your re-registration. The only exception: you are moving abroad or want to deregister a secondary residence.
• You usually have 14 days to re-register . If you miss this deadline, fines may arise which, depending on the omission, may be high. The period begins with the validity of the rental agreement or with the move date.
• The re-registration is normally free of charge . However, some municipalities charge a small administration fee. You can find this information on the website of the respective registration office.
• You often have to appear in person at the registration office in order to register. Find out in good time about the opening times and plan a vacation day if necessary. You can also send an authorized representative .
• In some offices you can also make an appointment in advance by phone or online . Only a few offices accept the submission of documents only by post. However, only one family member needs to appear per family if the others have signed the form.
• You should have the following documents with you: the completed form, which you can get online or on site, the ID cards or passports of all relocated family members and a confirmation from the landlord, the so-called home owner confirmation .
• The move-in date, the address of the apartment, the names of all new residents and the signature of the owner must be noted in the home owner's confirmation. If you live in your property, issue the confirmation yourself.
• Note that some cities levy a so-called secondary residence tax if you have two residences because, for example, you commute for work. For certain groups, such as students, this is usually not applicable.
• If you have a notifiable pet, you must also re-register it. Ask the residents' registration office whether you can do this right away. The same goes for your car . This can potentially save you a way to the office.

You also have to register here

Not only do you have to register with the Residents' Registration Office, other authorities also expect your re-registration.

• Employment and social welfare office: Inform the responsible office in good time about your move. Otherwise there may be delays in payments.
• Family benefits: If you receive child benefit, you must also indicate your change of residence here. You can find the necessary forms online.
• Health insurance: You must inform your health insurance and all other insurance companies. These are, for example, your life insurance, your car insurance and your household insurance .
• Tax office: You do not have to register here. However, you can inform your previous office about your move.
• Banks: If you stay at the same bank, simply register by phone or in a branch. The bank then usually takes care of the rest.
• Schools: If your children have to change schools, you should contact the responsible new school office as soon as possible. This will also advise you if you have moved to a new federal state. You can only de-register the child from the old school with the approval of the office and the new school.
• Car: You must re-register your car if you move to another registration area. If you miss the 14-day deadline, you may be fined. To do this, you must appear in person at the admissions office if the re-registration cannot be carried out directly at the registration office. Think of the necessary documents and the fee!
• Post: There may be a forwarding order useful for you. You can book this on the Deutsche Post homepage.
• Broadcasting fees: You don't have to do anything here. The registration office will automatically pass your new address on to the contribution service, who will then contact you by post. You can then simply register by post, phone or online form.
• Also remember to inform your employer or university about your new place of residence. Don't forget your clubs, subscriptions and shopping apps . And of course your personal contacts are also happy about the new address.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to register your DSL connection.

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