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).
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:
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
While not always necessary when moving within Germany, Abmeldung might be required in certain situations, such as:
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.
Beyond registration, there are other important bureaucratic tasks to consider:
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.
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.
Hiring Help in Germany Everything you need to know about finding cleaners, handymen, gardeners, childcare and more. Looking for a cleaner, babysitter, gardener, handyman or household help?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
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!
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.
The German Postal services have a "Nachsendeservice" that you can use to reroute your physical mail to your new address
You will need a new Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung from your new landlord, which is required for your Anmeldung.
On your last day, be sure to take photos of all the utility readings. Also do this when moving in on your first day
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.
Finding a place to rent Finding a place to rent in Germany is a lot like going for a job interview — you need to sell yourself, make a great impression, and show that you’re reliable.The key? Go in prepared, paperwork in hand, and confidence on your face. Documents needed Be prepared — landlords in Germany are thorough! You’ll typically need to provide the following: 🔍 SCHUFA Report (Credit Check)Shows your creditworthiness and payment history — basically proof that you’re a reliable tenant.💼 Proof of EmploymentUsually, your employment contract or recent payslips. It confirms that you have a stable income.🏦 Bank StatementsLandlords often want to see that your rent will be covered without a problem.📝 Motivation Letter (Optional, but Helpful)A short letter introducing yourself — tell them who you are, how big your family is, whether you have pets, smoke, or throw parties every Wednesday (hopefully not every Wednesday 😄). Mention where you work and why you’d be a great tenant. 💡 Extra Tips to Stand Out:🐾 Add proof of pet insurance if you have animals.🛡️ Include personal liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) — it’s something landlords value.📄 A reference letter from your employer can also boost your credibility and show stability. Schufa A “Schufa” is a credit report. It is a bit of a chicken-and-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 also has a good guide on getting a Schufa Tips If you’re still figuring out where you’d like to live or what kind of home suits you best, consider booking a short-term stay on Airbnb (or a similar platform) for your first few months.It’s a flexible way to explore different neighbourhoods before committing — and a lifesaver while you wait for your furniture to arrive in Germany. 📦 For more practical advice and step-by-step guidance, visit our Moving to Germany page. 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 Immowelt Meinestadt Immobilienscout24 Housing Anywhere Apps Immowelt ImmoScout24 WG.Gesucht.de Meinestadt.de Other Your local paper eBay Facebook sometimes has listings in an area Relocation agents such as Swift Relocation Furnished short term rentals If you’re looking for a temporary home while you get settled in Germany — or waiting for your long-term flat to come through — these platforms are a great place to start: 🏠 Mr. Lodge – Excellent for furnished apartments, especially in Munich and other major cities. Reliable service and English support. 🛏️ Zeitwohnwerk – A network of agencies offering furnished accommodation across Germany. Ideal for professionals and expats. ✨ Wunderflats – Very popular among newcomers. Verified landlords, flexible rental periods, and apartments ready to move into — Wi-Fi, furniture, everything. 🌍 HomeToGo – A broad search engine comparing holiday and short-term rentals from multiple platforms, including smaller providers. 🏡 Flathopper – Specialises in temporary housing, particularly around Munich, Stuttgart, and Frankfurt. 🧳 Homelike – Caters to business travellers and expats needing medium-term furnished flats (1–12 months). 💫 Airbnb – A flexible option for your first few weeks, especially while you explore neighbourhoods or wait for your shipment to arrive. Shared accomodation 🏡 LifeX Website with shared accommodation in Berlin and Munich 💬 WG-Gesucht.deGermany’s biggest and most trusted site for shared housing. You’ll find everything from single rooms to full apartments.➡️ Tip: Listings go fast! Set up alerts and message landlords quickly — in German if possible. 🌍 SpareRoom.deA smaller platform, but designed specifically for finding flatmates or rooms.➡️ Tip: Good for people who prefer more personal connections and longer stays. 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
Housing in Germany Finding a home in Germany means learning a new kind of language — one spoken in bricks, beams, and balcony railings. A charming Altbauwohnung with vintage flair, a bright Penthouse floating above the city, or a snug Einliegerwohnung tucked into a family home — each space tells its own story. This page guides you through the many housing types you’ll come across in Germany. Some are steeped in history, others designed for modern living, and a few blur the lines between the two. Long-term, short-term, furnished or not, solo living or shared spaces — there’s something for every lifestyle and life stage. 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 Lebensraum die Wohnfläche der 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 most likely 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 Staircase. It can be a shared space. der Herd Stove. die Spüle Sink for washing up. die Garage / der Stellplatz Garage or parking space. das Grundstück Land or plot. die 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 are 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 In German, Bettwäsche generally means the bed linen/bedding used to cover the duvet and pillow, and can refer collectively to: die Bettdecke = duvet / quilt der Bettbezug = duvet cover der Kissenbezug / Kopfkissenbezug = pillowcase Bettwäsche = bed linen / bedding, often meaning the duvet cover + pillowcase set Here is a list of online shops that have a wider variety: Ikea 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 tothe SA Standard is 40 X 80 The White Company – Luxury bedding La Redoute – French company H&M Home Bedding sizes South Africa vs Germany Category Mattress Size in SA Duvet Size in SA Mattress Size Germany Children / Kinderbett 70 x 140 cm Single / Einzelbett 90–92 x 188 cm 130 x 190 cm 135 x 200 cm 140 x 200 cm 90 x 200 cm is most common, but 100 x 200 cm is also available 3/4 or großes Einzelbett 107 x 188 cm 150 x 200 cm 140 x 200 cm Double / Doppelbett 137 x 188 cm 200 x 200 cm Two 90 x 200 cm mattresses Queen 152 x 188 cm 230 x 200 cm — Queen Extra Length 152 x 200 cm 220 x 220 cm — King 183 x 188 cm 230 x 220 cm — King Extra Length / großes Doppelbett 183 x 200 cm 240 x 240 cm Two 100 x 200 cm mattresses South African pillow sizes Standard Pillow 45 × 70 cmStandard / Standardkissen King Pillow 50 × 90 cmKing / Großes Kissen Continental Pillow 70 × 70 cmContinental / Quadratisch Body Pillow 45 × 150 cmBody / Seitenschläferkissen German pillow sizes The standard German pillow size is 80 × 80 cm, although the slimmer 40 × 80 cm size is also very common and widely available. If you bring your South African pillows with you, you may find that the pillowcases included in German duvet sets don’t fit them. You have a few options: Keep your South African pillows and pillowcases — they can still look perfectly fine with your new German duvet cover. Resize an 80 × 80 cm German pillowcase to fit your South African pillow. Buy a 40 × 80 cm German pillow if you prefer the longer, narrower pillow style and want to use the matching German pillowcases. 💡 Shopping tip: Always check the pillowcase dimensions before buying a duvet set in Germany. The duvet cover may fit your South African duvet, but the pillowcases are often a different size. Mattress hardness German mattresses are commonly labelled H1 to H5. The recommended weight ranges below are a general guide, but they can vary between manufacturers and mattress models. Always check the manufacturer’s specific recommendations before buying. Firmness Level Description 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 firmness level. These mattresses are often available only as custom-made products. If you weigh more than 60 kg, you should generally avoid an H1 mattress, even if you prefer a softer feel, as it may lose its shape and support more quickly. H2 One of the two most popular firmness levels in Germany, particularly among women. It is generally suitable for people weighing between 60 and 80 kg. Depending on the manufacturer, H2 may also be labelled F2, medium strength or medium. H3 H3 is by far the most common mattress firmness level in Germany and is generally suitable for people weighing 80 kg or more. Depending on the manufacturer, the recommended upper limit may be 100, 110 or even 120 kg. H4 is usually recommended for people above this range. H4 H4 is generally suitable for people weighing more than 100, 110 or 120 kg, depending on the manufacturer. It may be described as firm, extra-firm or ultra-firm. Many manufacturers do not offer a firmness level above H4, so the maximum recommended weight varies between mattress models. It may be around 120, 140 or 150 kg. H5 H5 is the rarest mattress firmness level in Germany. For heavier people, H4 may already provide sufficient support, with H5 simply offering an even firmer feel. This is one reason why some manufacturers do not offer H5 mattresses. Where H5 is available, it is generally intended for people weighing around 140–150 kg or more, although some manufacturers set the lower limit at 120 kg. Types of bed systems in Germany Boxspringbett Boxspring beds (Boxspringbett ) are among the most popular types of beds worldwide. They consist of three layers: The base (box) – a solid wood frame with built-in springs (usually pocket springs for better body support). The mattress – a spring mattress, often divided into zones
