Moving from One Town to Another in Germany

Moving within Germany, whether it’s to a neighbouring town or a different state, is a process that involves more than just packing up your belongings and setting up in a new home. German bureaucracy is known for its thoroughness, and to ensure a smooth transition, there are several important steps and considerations to keep in mind. This guide will help you navigate the process, focusing especially on the essential steps of Anmeldung (registration) and Abmeldung (deregistration).

Anmeldung

Registering Your New Residence

In Germany, it is legally required to register your new address at the local residents’ registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt) within two weeks of moving. This process, known as Anmeldung, is crucial for several reasons:

Official Address: It updates your official place of residence, which is important for all official correspondence, including tax documents, voting registration, and government communication.
Documents: The Anmeldung process also updates your address on your identity documents, such as your Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate), which you will need for many bureaucratic processes
Banking and Contracts: Many contracts, like those for mobile phones or banking, require your current address. Failing to update these can lead to complications or missed communications.

Registering at the Local Town Office

If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than 3 months, you will need to register at your local Bürgeramt (Town office).This is called a Meldepflicht and is compulsory. More about the law can be found in BMG (in German) or in EnglishIt must be done within two weeks after moving into your residence. ” Anyone who moves into a residence shall register with the registration authorities within two weeks of moving in. (2) Anyone who moves out of a residence and does not move into another residence in Germany shall deregister with the registration authorities within two weeks of moving out. Deregistration shall be possible no more than one week before moving out; the population register shall be updated as of the moving-out date. “ Where do you register As a rule, you must register at the registration authority (Meldebehörde) in your local town. As an example, if you live in Oberaichen, which is part of Leinfelden-Echterdingen, which is part of the Stuttgart Stadkreis, you need to register at the Leinfelden office. You can use the Ortdienste website to find your local office. Click on the Bundesländer and zoom in from there. Another website to use is Melderegister You can also search online for Bürgeramt, Rathaus or Ortsdienste for your own town e.g. Rathaus Leinfelden. The personnel at these institutions are in my experience very helpful and you can contact them if you have any questions Documents needed Valid passport with your visa inside Proof of residence If you are renting, you must get a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord or rental management company. The name and address of the landlord, the names of all persons who are subject to registration, the address of the rental property and the moving-in date must be on this document. Completed registration form. For most towns, this can be found online Marriage certificate, if applicable Change of address within Germany This obligation to register also applies when you move to a new address within Germany. If you move within the same municipality, you must inform the registration office (Bürgeramt) in person.. This is called “Ummelden. If you move to a new municipality you have to de-register (abmelden) at your previous address and register (anmelden) at your new address. You have to do it within two weeks of moving to your new address. When moving to a new address, you must also inform the following authorities and institutions: Finanzamt – If the tax office changes as a result of your move, inform the new tax office of your new address and your tax number. If the same tax office remains responsible, it is sufficient if you state the change of address in the next tax return. KFZ Zulassungsstelle (Vehicle Registration office) – As the owner of a motor vehicle, you must ensure that the vehicle registration documents are updated after the move. To do this, contact the responsible vehicle registration office. Don’t forget to inform your vehicle insurance company of the new address as well. You only need the seven-digit insurance confirmation code if you move to another city. Banks, Utility companies, Insurance companies, German Pension Fund Tip!! You can have your post redirected. Contact Deutsche Post Things to keep in mind You must de-register (abmelden) when you leave Germany permanently You will receive a bill for your television licence (Rundfunkbeitrag/GEZ) soon after registering. Church tax (Kirchensteuer) is payable by default. If you do not want to pay church tax, you need to indicate it on your Anmeldeformular. You can also apply to stop paying afterwards. For that, you must go back in person to where you registered, and submit a declaration of resignation form (die Niederschrift der Austrittserklärung). You pay a fee for this, the fee depend on the Federal State. The tax office is automatically informed of the change or the departure from the church. Tip!! Ask them where you must apply for your German driver’s licence and if you need a First aid course for that Vocabulary Proof of residence die Wohnungsgeberbestätigung Obligation to register die Meldepflicht Administrative district das Stadtkreis Registration certificate die Anmeldebescheinigung Register Anmelden Deregister Abmelden Re-registration Ummelden Citizens office die Bürgeramt Related content

Deregistering Your Old Residence

While not always necessary when moving within Germany, Abmeldung might be required in certain situations, such as:

Moving abroad.
Giving up a second residence.

If Abmeldung is needed, inform the registration office of your previous town. This can often be done by mail or, in some places, online. Make sure to keep a copy of your Abmeldebescheinigung (deregistration certificate) as proof of your former residence status.

Additional

Bureaucratic Considerations

Beyond registration, there are other important bureaucratic tasks to consider:

Updating Vehicle Registration: If you own a car, you need to update your vehicle registration and driver’s license address. This typically involves visiting the local vehicle registration office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle).
Informing Utilities and Service Providers: Notify your utility providers (electricity, gas, water) and other service providers (internet, phone, insurance) about your move to ensure a seamless transition of services. This is also the time to update your mailing address for any subscriptions or memberships.
Changing Schools: If you have children, you will need to transfer them to a new school. The requirements and procedures can vary depending on the federal state (Bundesland), so it’s best to check with both the old and new schools for specific instructions.
Updating Your Employer: Don’t forget to inform your employer of your new address to ensure payroll and any necessary tax adjustments are correctly handled.
Health Insurance and Medical Records: Ensure that your health insurance provider is informed of your new address. Additionally, consider transferring your medical records to a new doctor, especially if you are moving to a different town or city where your current doctor does not practice.
Pension Funds: Your yearly statements are sent to your physical address
GEZ Rundfunkbeitrag: moving does not automatically cancel your broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag). Even if you change your address at the registration office, it is still your responsibility to inform the GEZ. Failing to do so may result in double payments or reminders.

Financial

Questions to ask yourself

How much money should I budget for moving?
What insurance do I need for transporting my belongings?
Do I need to adjust my insurance needs for my new home?
What deposits do I need to pay for my new home or utilities?
When can I expect to get my deposit back from my previous landlord
Do I need to do maintenance before moving out, for example paint the walls?

Residence

Ausländerbehorde

You must notify the Ausländerbehörde of your move, as your residence permit is tied to your registered address.
Depending on your permit type (e.g., Blue Card, standard work visa, student visa), additional requirements may apply.
For instance, if you hold a Blue Card and change jobs within the first two years (check the Zusatzblatt) , you must obtain approval from the Ausländerbehörde before starting a new position.
The immigration office will review whether the new job still meets the Blue Card requirements. If it does not, you may need to apply for a different type of residence permit, provided you meet the necessary criteria.

If you are unsure what applies to your situation, contact the Ausländerbehörde and ask for guidance.

Where to find help

For a smooth and stress-free moving experience, consider enlisting the help of professional moving companies or local *Umzugshelfer* (moving helpers), who can assist with packing, transporting, and unpacking your belongings. Additionally, friends and family can be invaluable for support during this transition. If you’re looking for more affordable options, consider hiring students or individuals offering their services as mini-jobbers, who often advertise on platforms for short-term work. You can find more information on our Minijobs and Hired Help page.

Minijobs and hired help

Are you looking for services like cleaning, someone to look after the kids or help out with the gardening?The sites we list here are currently only available in German. You have the option to hire someone on a more permanent basis (minijob) or use a company to supply the services as needed. Please be aware of your responsibilities when you hire someone directly especially in the event of accidents or damage to property. Social taxes might also be applicable. Minijob zentrale According to the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, mini jobs are minor jobs with a maximum monthly pay of €450 or a maximum of 70 days work per calendar year.The Minijob zentrale has information about the legal issues.You can also search for services or register yourself for services Betreut A very nice website to search for services is Betreut.They offer the following services: Kinderbetreuung (Child care) Au Pair Nachhilfe (Tutoring) Seniorenbetreuung (Care of the eldery) Tierbetreuung (Pet sitting) Haus & Garten ( Home and garden) Studenten Vermittlung Looking for a student to help you move your furniture?You can find that and more on studenten-vermittlung Artisans Looking for someone to help with your home maintenance, plumbing, or fixing that wonky cupboard? There are a variety of websites out there that can help you find a handyman. Here are just a few that we recommend: My Hammer – This website has an extensive range of services for all of your handyman needs. Whether you need help fixing a leaky faucet or installing new light fixtures, My Hammer has you covered. Task Rabbit – If you need help assembling furniture, house cleaning, moving, or anything else, Task Rabbit is your go-to website. They have a large network of skilled professionals who are ready to help you get the job done. Services listed on our website Kinderbetreuung/Au Pair If you are looking for someone to help your children with school work or look after them when you go on a date, you can find services on the Betreut website. To find a full-time Au Pair, search on Aupairworld Facebook groups like Au Pair in Europe.You can also look in your local newspaper or online community groups Cleaning Services Agents for self-employed cleaning staff or cleaning companies Helpling Betreut Putzperle Providers with employed cleaning staff or commissioned cleaning companies Happymaids Mr Cleaner Book a Tiger Zeitreicher Renting tools and carpet cleaners You can rent tools, high-pressure cleaners, carpet cleaners etc. at selected stores. OBI DM (carpet cleaners) Rossmann (carpet cleaners) Toom Kächer Vocabulary Cleaner die putzhilfe Childcare die Kinderbetreuung Eldery care die Seniorenbetreuung Private tuition die Nachhilfe Animal care or pet sitters die Tierbetreuung Related content

Doing it yourself

Transport
If you choose to handle the move yourself or with the assistance of friends, you can rent a moving van (Transporter). You can also rent a van with a driver.
Below is a list of companies that provide rental services for moving vehicles.
Don’t forget to show your appreciation to your friends with a braai and some beers as a thank-you for their help!

Packing:
You can buy Umzugkartons online at shops like Amazon, OBI etc. or at your local Hardware store. If you dont mind using second hand boxes, you can go ask at Grocery stores if you can have some of their boxes that they usually throw in the recycle bins.

Utilities

You may be able to continue with the same service provider, but it's important to confirm this. If they do not offer services at your new address, be sure to cancel your utilities account ahead of time.

mail delivery

The German Postal services have a "Nachsendeservice" that you can use to reroute your physical mail to your new address

Certificates

You will need a new Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung from your new landlord, which is required for your Anmeldung.

photos

On your last day, be sure to take photos of all the utility readings. Also do this when moving in on your first day

Door sign

When moving out, don’t forget to remove your name from the doorbell or mailbox. At your new home, be sure to add your name to the doorbell and mailbox to ensure you receive your mail and packages.

Info on the web

Here are some helpful websites

Housing in Germany

Types of Housing Wohnung / Apartment/Flat. Standard residential unit, typically part of a larger building. Atlbauwohnung – An old building, that might be protected. An older, often pre-war building with high ceilings and potentially historic features. Dachgeschosswohnung – Attic or penthouse apartment, often with sloped ceilings due to being on the top floor. Einliegerwohnung – A smaller, separate apartment within a house, often referred to as a “granny flat.” Entangewohnung – An apartment in a multi-story building, typically on one level. Loft – A large, open-concept living space, often converted from industrial or commercial use. Maisonette – A duplex apartment spread over two floors, often connected by an internal staircase. Penthouse – A luxurious apartment located on the top floor of a building, often with a private terrace. Souterrainwohnung – A basement or semi-basement flat, typically located partially below ground level. Terrassenwohnung – An apartment with a private terrace as a prominent feature. Must have a terrace Wohngemeinschaften (WG) – A shared apartment or house where tenants share common spaces like the kitchen or living room. Haus – A standalone building intended for residential use. Einfamilienhaus – Single-family house Mehrfamilienhaus – A building designed for multiple separate family units or households. Furnished house/apartment – A fully furnished house/apartment available for short or medium-term rental, often similar to vacation rentals like Airbnb. Vocabulary and Information die Wohnung This could mean accommodation but mostly it means an apartment or flat der Lebensraumdie Wohnflächeder Wohnraum The living space includes all the floor space of the rooms that belong exclusively to this apartment. Immowelt has a very good explanation of how living space is calculated das Haus A house – can also mean home or domicile das Einfamilienhaus A free-standing residential building, typically for a single-family das Mehrfamilienhaus Multiple separate housing units for residential inhabitants are contained within one building or several buildings within one complex. Units can be next to each other or stacked on top of each other das Zimmer Room. die Küche Kitchen.Most properties (for rent as well) do not include a fitted kitchen and you will mostlikely have to fit the cupboards, oven, fridge, etc.You will have to look at the “Ausstattung”. If you want a place with a fitted kitchen look for one with an “Einbauküche” Das Badezimmer Bathroom.Many bathrooms in apartments only have a shower or the shower is inside the bath das Wohnzimmer Living room der Flur Corridor, hallway das Treppenhaus StaircaseIt can be a shared space der Herd Stove die Spüle Sink for washing up die Garage / das Stellplatz Garage or parking space das Grundstück Land or plot das Etage Elevated floor das Erdgeschoss Ground floor 1. Etage, 1. Stock, 1 Obergeschoss First floor. It is the first elevated floor and not the ground floor Resources on the web Immowelt.de – a really good source of current information from types of housing, to disputes with neighbours. Available in German. Disputes If you’re renting a property in Germany and feel that your landlord is treating you unfairly, there are several organizations and legal channels that can help: Mieterverein (Tenants’ Association): The Mieterverein is a tenant’s association offering legal advice and support. By becoming a member (for a small annual fee), you can receive assistance on tenant rights, disputes, and issues with your landlord. Find your local association for more details. Schlichtungsstelle (Mediation Service): Some cities offer mediation services where disputes between landlords and tenants can be resolved outside of court. These services aim to facilitate a fair compromise between both parties. Legal Counsel: If the issue is severe, you may consider hiring a lawyer specializing in Mietrecht (tenancy law). Legal insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung) may cover these costs if you have it. Mieterschutzbund (Tenant Protection Association): Similar to the Mieterverein, the Mieterschutzbund offers advice and support to tenants facing unfair treatment. They can assist with issues like rent increases, deposit disputes, or necessary repairs. Amtsgericht (Local Court): If disputes cannot be settled through mediation or tenant associations, you can file a complaint at your local Amtsgericht (local court), which handles tenancy law disputes. Keep records of all communications and issues with your landlord to support your case, if necessary. Related content

Beds, Mattresses and Duvets

The sleeping arrangements in Germany is a bit different from what we are used to in South Africa. The average German couple sleeps on a bed base with two single mattresses and each with their own duvet.Some would argue for this but I would at least want to share a duvet with my partner.I vacuum packed all my queen size duvets and brought them with me to Germany together with my standard SA pillows.It works fine as long as you don’t want to buy new duvet covers.If you do want to get new duvet covers for your SA duvet inners, your best bet would be to buy from the UK, but be aware their King size is to my knowledge the same as our Queen size, so always make sure of the measurements.Since the German double bed consists of mostly two 100 x 200cm mattresses, a King size duvet will work best.Finding covers for a King size is possible at online shops but your choice is limited and the pillowcases will be the German standard 80 x 80.Always make sure of the pillow size Where to shop for bedding Here is a list of online shops that have a bigger variety and some have the correct pillow sizes: Ikea Wayfair Debenhams Amazon – Germany or UK, just make sure the supplier delivers to Germany Home24 www.otto.de. You can choose the pillow size on their website although the closest to SA Standard is 40 X 80 The White Company – Luxury bedding La Redoute – French company H&M Home Bedding sizes South Africa vs Germany Mattress size in SA Duvet Size in SA Mattress size Germany Children / Kinderbett 70 x 140cm Single / Einzelbett 90-92 x 188cm 130 x 190cm 135 x 200cm140 x 200cm 90 x 200cm is most common but it is also available in 100 x 200cm 3 / 4 or großes Einzelbett 107 x 188cm 150x200cm 140 x 200cm Double / Doppelbett 137 x 188cm 200 x 200cm 2 (90 x 200cm) Mattresses Queen 152 x 188cm 230 x 200cm Queen Extra Length 152 x 200cm 220 x 220cm King 183 x 188cm 230 x 220cm King Extra Length / großes Doppelbett 183 x 200cm 240 x 240cm 2 (100 x 200cm) Mattresses South African pillow sizes Standard Pillow 45 x 70cm King Pillow 50 x 90cm Continental Pillow 70 x 70cm Body Pillow 45 x 150cm German pillow sizes The standard size is 80x80cm, although you can find other sizes like 40 x 80cm. If you buy a duvet cover, and do not find pillows cases that will fit your SA pillows, you can of course take the 80×80 cases and resize them or use SA pillowcases that will still look good with your new duvet cover. Alternatively invest in a new 40 x 80 pillow Mattress hardness H1 Suitable for people weighing less than 60 kg. Since such a low body weight is relatively rare in adults, only a few mattresses are manufactured in this mattress firmness level. Often these mattresses are also only available with mattress firmness level 1, so they are real custom-made products.If you weigh more than 60 kg, you should under no circumstances choose a mattress with a degree of hardness of 1 (even if you like it softer), as this would quickly lose its dimensional stability. H2 One of the two most popular sellers in Germany – especially among women. It is particularly suitable for people who weigh between 60 and 80 kilograms.Depending on the manufacturer, the designation F2, medium strength or medium, is also common. H3 The mattress firmness level 3 (H3) is by far the most common in Germany and is suitable for people weighing 80 kg or more. Depending on the manufacturer, the upper limit is 100, 110 or even 120 kg (a mattress hardness of H4 is usually recommended for over 120 kg). H4 The mattress firmness level 4 (H4) is suitable for people who weigh over 100, 110 or 120 kg (depending on the manufacturer). This degree of firmness is often referred to as firm, extra-firm or even ultra-firm.Since there is no further degree of hardness for many manufacturers or models, there is often no upper limit to the next higher degree of hardness.Usually this is reached at 120, 140 or 150 kg. H5 The degree of hardness 5 (H5) is the rarest. Often the mattress firmness level 4 is just as suitable for heavy people and mattresses firmness level 5 is just harder. That is probably the reason why some manufacturers do not have mattresses with a degree of hardness of 5 in their range.Most mattresses with firmness level 5 are suitable for people weighing 140 or 150 kg or more, but sometimes the lower limit is 120 kg. Types of beds Boxspringbett Lattenrost A Lattenrost fits into a bed frame Polsterbett A Polsterbett is a bed frame, where the frame and the attached headboard and if applicable, the footboard is upholstered and covered. You have to buy the mattresses separately. Differences between a Lattenrost and a Boxspringbett:Both have a mattress that lies on a flexible base. In the case of the Lattenrost, it is slightly curved spring wood slats while the Boxspringbett has a box that, like a mattress, contains a core made of spiral springs and usually includes a topper – an approx. 6 cm high mattress topper with a soft foam core that rounds off the comfort experience. While the components of the conventional bed – mattress, slatted frame and bed frame – are usually bought individually, box spring beds are offered as a complete package. Where to buy beds Ikea Home24 Schlafwelt Vocabulary Duvet Duvet cover Pillow Pillow Cases Mattress Single bed Double bed Large single bed Large double bed Children’s bed Home Textiles Bettdecken Bettwäsche Kopfkissen Kopfkissenbezüge die Matratze das Einzelbett das Doppelbett das große Einzelbett das große Doppelbett das Kinderbett die Heimtextilien Related content

Finding a place to stay

Finding a place to rent Finding a place to rent is almost like doing a job interview. You have to “advertise” yourself and you will have to go for interviews. The best is to go prepared! Documents needed You will need at least the following documents: A Schufa report (credit report), proof of employment, bank statements and a motivation letter if you like. In this you introduce yourself .. how big the family is, do you have pets, do you have parties every Wednesday, do you smoke, where you work, etc. A tip from others is to add proof of insurance, such as pet insurance if you have pets or personal liability insurance. You can also add a reference letter from your employer. When you are not yet sure what type of place you want to get or exactly where consider making use of Airbnb for a couple of months. It also helps while you are waiting for your furniture to arrive in Germany. For more information and helpful tips on moving to Germany, visit the page below. Schufa A “Schufa” is a credit report. It is a bit of a chicken-egg situation. You cannot get a Schufa unless you already live in Germany. To get around this you can stay in an Airbnb for a couple of months and then get a Schufa, or say upfront that you don’t have one yet, or look for properties that do not require one. If you have an employment contract, you can also ask if they will accept that.Simple Germany has a good guide on getting a Schufa Cost of Living In general, properties are more expensive in Germany than in South Africa, also when renting. Food and clothing prices depend a lot on where you are buying. Medical insurance is also more expensive in Germany,The most, expensive cities in Germany concerning rent are Stuttgart, Hamburg and MunichHere are some cost-of-living comparative sites to give you an idea: Numbeo, Expatica, Destatis, and Mecer Information from Commerzbank for a family of 4 – in Germany Sparda Bank Wohnen in Deutschland More information on the internet Immowelt.de – a really good source of current information from types of housing, to disputes with neighbours. Available in German Where to look for Accommodation Rental agencies Apps Other Immowelt Meinestadt Immobilienscout24 Housing Anywhere Immowelt ImmoScout24 WG.Gesucht.de Meinestadt.de Your local paper eBay Facebook sometimes has listings in an area Relocation agents such as Swift Relocation Furnished short term rentals Shared accomodation Mr Lodge if you are looking for a furnished apartment Zeitwohnwerk – agencies providing furnished accommodation in Germany Wunderflats Home2go Flathopper in Munich Homelike Airbnb Website with shared accommodation in Berlin and Munich WG Gesucht Buy or Rent To buy or rent is a personal choice. Just be aware of the possible hidden costs of ownership.There was a case recently where owners were charged for fixing the road in front of their properties.Interest rates are pretty low. Deposits are high.Simple Germany has a good article on this Typical property description “3-Zimmer Wohnung Die Wohnung bietet eine Wohnfläche von ca. 116,56 m². Diese Fläche verteiltsich auf den Flur, zwei Schlafzimmer, das Wohnzimmer, das hell geflieste Vollbad, das WC und die Wohnküche.Die Küche wir nur mit einem Herd und einer Spüle ausgestattet.” “3-room apartment The apartment offers a living space of approx. 116.56 m². This space is distributedbetween the hallway, two bedrooms, the living room, the brightly tiled bathroom, the toilet and the kitchen-diner.The kitchen is only equipped with a stove and a sink.” Important When you are looking at a property with “3 Zimmer” it does not refer to bedrooms but the total rooms excluding the Kitchen and Bathroom. Many properties will have no lights installed, only the fittings. You have to get them fitted or fit them yourself. A good place to look for artisans is My-Hammer Make sure you know what your responsibilities will be for example are you responsible for keeping the pathway clear from snow or for cleaning the staircase (Treppenhaus). In BW you might be responsible for cleaning during your Kehrworche Living space – Living space can be calculated according to 3 methods. Only in the case of subsidized housing is a method prescribed by the Housing Subsidy Act The DIN-277 standard. The floor space (Grundfläche) and living space (Wohnfläche) are the same. The height of the room is irrelevant. Roof areas, balconies, basements and garages are included. The Second Calculation Ordinance (II. BV), only up till 31.12.2003 Living space ordinance (WoFlV – as of 01.01.2004) In disputes the court follows this method. It evaluates the part of the floor space that can be used for living. It is not the same as the Grundfläche(floor space) method- Rooms with sloping ceilings can only partially be taken into account. Cellars, laundry rooms, heating rooms and garages do not count towards the living space. Chimneys, pillars and columns do not count towards living space if they are higher than 1.50 meters and have a floor area of more than 0.1 square metres. Be careful of photos, it could for example be taken with the kitchen fitted but if it doesn’t say a kitchen is included (Einbauküche or EBK), it is not. It is possible to lease your furniture, Lyght Living and In-lease offers such services Rental Scams When looking for accommodation in Germany, be aware of rental scams, which can target unsuspecting renters. Scammers may post fake listings with attractive prices or demand upfront payments before allowing you to view the property. Common red flags include requests for money via insecure methods like wire transfers, landlords who claim to be abroad, or suspiciously low rent for prime locations. Always insist on viewing the property in person, verify the landlord’s identity, and never transfer money without a signed contract. Staying cautious can help you avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. For more info and tips: Germanpedia – Rental Scams About Berlin – Common housing scams Your rights We are not at liberty to give any legal advice. The advice we can give is to get everything in writing and know your rights.For