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City Registration (Einwohnermeldeamt)

In Germany, registering your German address is required by law. Once you have moved into an accommodation after arriving, you must register your address with the City Hall (Einwohnermeldeamt) within two weeks.

If you are unable to get an appointment within this period, it is generally acceptable to register at a later date — but make sure to book the earliest appointment possible.

If you are living in Germany for less than three months, registration is not required.

Related topic: residence permit or Foreigners Office

Find the City Hall (Einwohnermeldeamt) responsible for the city or district where you live. Appointments can usually be booked online through the official website of your local city administration.

To register, you will typically need:

  • A valid passport or EU ID card
  • A confirmation of residence from your landlord, called Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (Confirmation form for Darmstadt; a housing contract is NOT accepted).

After registering your residence, you will receive a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung). This document serves as official proof of your address in Germany. It is required for other formal procedures, for example opening a bank account. Be sure to keep it safe.

If you move within Germany, you are required to re-register your new address at the new City Hall. If you are leaving Germany permanently, you must deregister your address at the same office before your departure.

Location of the City Hall in Darmstadt:

Luisenplatz 5 A, 64283 Darmstadt.

You can make an appointment on the City Hall website (our step-by step guide (opens in new tab)).

After you have registered your address in Germany for the first time, your tax ID number will be assigned and sent to you by post.

If you have not received your ID number after some time, you can contact the Federal Central Tax Office (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern – BZSt) by filling out the form on their website (opens in new tab). Processing can take up to several weeks.

After moving to Germany, you have to pay the licence fee (opens in new tab) (“Rundfunkbeitrag”), which finances the public broadcasting services. However, if you live in shared accommodation, not everyone has to pay – one household means one fee. Students often benefit from that rule, since they are able to share the fee with their flatmates (opens in new tab).

After having registered at the registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt), you will get a letter concerning the licence fee. Make sure that your name is written clearly on your mailbox.

The information on this website is not legally binding.