Flat registration

If you move into a flat, regardless of whether you are moving in from another place of residence or within your previous place of residence, you must register with the registration office.

If you are under the age of 16, the person whose home you are moving into is responsible for registration. Newborns born in Germany only need to be registered if they move into a home other than that of their parents or mother. If you are of legal age and a carer or guardian has been appointed for you who can determine your residence, this person is responsible for registration.

If you have several homes in Germany, one of these homes is your main home.

is the main residence:

• if you are married or in a civil partnership: the home primarily used by the family or civil partnership. This also applies if you are only temporarily separated from your family or partner.
• if you are married or in a civil partnership and live permanently separated: Your predominantly used home.
• if you are a minor: the home primarily used by your parents or foster parents. If they live separately, the main residence is the home in which you mainly live.
• Only if the predominantly used dwelling cannot be determined beyond doubt should the focus of the living relationships be taken into account. Indicators for this are, for example, the type of home, personal ties, social and local political activities as well as membership in clubs and other organisations.

Each time you register, you must inform the registration authority whether and, if so, which other residences you have in Germany and which of these residences is your main residence.
When registering with the registration authority, you must submit written confirmation from the landlord or a person authorised by the landlord (landlord confirmation). Your landlord or a person authorised by him/her can also confirm your moving in directly to the registration authority.

The confirmation from the landlord must contain the following data:

1. Name and address of the landlord and, if the landlord is not the owner, the name of the owner,
2. Move-in date,
3. Address of the flat and
4. Names of persons required to register in accordance with Section 17 (1) of the Federal Registration Act (BMG).

To register, you must complete and sign a registration form.

As a rule, however, the registration office will provide you with a pre-filled registration form. It then only needs to be checked and corrected or completed if necessary.

The same applies to electronic registration as part of a corresponding online service.

If, for certain reasons, you do not want your personal data to be passed on, in some cases you have the option of objecting to the transfer. If the relevant requirements are met, you may also be able to request a block on the disclosure and transmission of your data.