In short: You must register your address (Anmeldung) within two weeks after you move into a home in Germany. Your landlord must confirm your move-in within the same period. A late or missing registration can lead to a fine of up to 1,000 euros.

When must you register your address in Germany?

You must register within two weeks after you move in. Section 17, paragraph 1 of the Federal Registration Act (BMG) says: whoever moves into a home must register with the registration authority (Meldebehörde) within two weeks. The law text used here is the version retrieved on 24 October 2026.

What does the landlord have to do?

The landlord must help with your registration. Section 19 BMG requires the landlord to confirm your move-in within the period named in section 17, paragraph 1. The confirmation is called Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Ask your landlord for it early, because the two weeks also apply to this confirmation.

What happens if you register late?

You can receive a fine of up to 1,000 euros. Section 54 BMG lists the cases: you do not register, you register incorrectly or you register too late. Paragraph 3 sets the upper limit at 1,000 euros.

Landlords can also face fines. For certain violations, among them offering or providing an address against section 19, paragraph 6, the limit is 50,000 euros (section 54, paragraph 3 BMG).

What you need to bring

No official list of documents was available, so this page does not give one. Ask your local registration office which documents it wants. Usually the office also tells you whether an appointment is needed and whether a fee applies. No official source was found for these two points, so this page names no appointment rule and no fee.

The one document the law names is the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) described above.

How do you register your address step by step?

  1. Note your move-in date. The two weeks start on that day.
  2. Ask your landlord for the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.
  3. Ask your local registration office (Meldebehörde) for the document list, appointment rules and fee.
  4. Complete the Anmeldung within the two weeks.

What comes after the Anmeldung?

Many later steps depend on your address. Plan health insurance and check your residence route, for example the opportunity card. The overview is on the page Moving to Germany.

Frequently asked questions

How long do you have to register your address in Germany?

You have two weeks after you move into your home (section 17, paragraph 1 BMG).

What is a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung?

It is the landlord's confirmation of your move-in. The landlord must give it within the registration period (section 19 BMG).

How high is the fine for late registration?

The fine can be up to 1,000 euros (section 54 BMG).

How much does the Anmeldung cost?

No official source for a fee was found. Ask your local registration office.

Which documents do you need?

No official list was found. Ask your local registration office for the current documents.

Sources

  1. Section 17 Federal Registration Act (BMG), 2026 (As of: retrieved 24.10.2026)
  2. Section 19 Federal Registration Act (BMG), 2026 (As of: retrieved 24.10.2026)
  3. Section 54 Federal Registration Act (BMG), 2026 (As of: retrieved 24.10.2026)

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the linked official pages before you act.

Author: Vathanakone Prakosay · Updated on October 24, 2026