International Affairs

Registering with the Citizens' Registration Office

If you live in Germany, you are required to register your address within 14 days of your arrival at one of the Citizens' Registration Office  (Bürgeramt). If you move to Berlin from abroad, though, the deadline is three months.
When you do the registratoin at a Bürgeramt you will be issued with a certificate of registration. Non-EU and non-EEA nationals require this document to apply for a residence permit if their visa does not cover the entire period of their stay or if they do not require a visa to enter Germany.

The opening times of the Citizens' Registration Office vary. As such, you need to make an appointment online. Go to their website, select your preferred location, and scroll down to "Angebotene Dienstleistungen” to view available services. Select “Anmeldung einer Wohnung” to register your address. To make an appointment, click “bei diesem Standort einen Termin buchen” at the bottom of the page.

Alternatively, you can look for available appointments and will be shown the corresponding registration offices. 
Useful tip: As a rule, it makes sense to book your preferred time and date at any administrative office offering appointments at that time, as the more centrally located offices tend to be busy and can only offer appointments at later dates.

Checklist for registering in Berlin
- Completed form
- Confirmation from landlord that you have moved in
- Valid passport or national ID
You should carry your certificate of registration with you at all times.
If you move to another address in Berlin, you have to re-register at the new address within 14 days and update the information in your tuPORT account.
You are required to de-register before leaving Berlin to return home. You can do this at the earliest 14 days prior to your departure. You can find further information and download the de-registration form from the website of the administrative offices.