I have moved in Germany – what do I need to do now?
8 tasks in suggested order
1. End the tenancy, complete the handover and record meter readings
Plan termination or handover separately from official address registration. At the handover, record the condition, keys and meter readings in writing or with photos.
Your tenancy agreement and agreed notice period determine when you must give notice. A housing handover does not replace residence registration with the registration authority.
Official source: www.bmwsb.bund.de
2. End electricity, gas, internet and other ongoing contracts
Check each ongoing contract separately: some are cancelled, others are moved or updated to the new address. Note contract numbers and relevant dates.
Official source: www.bmwsb.bund.de
3. Register residence
After moving into a home, residence generally has to be registered with the registration authority within two weeks under the Federal Registration Act.
Generally within 2 weeks after moving in.
Locally competent Meldebehörde/Bürgeramt; in the federal portal, first select the place of residence.
Identity card or passport, Wohnungsgeberbestätigung and any additional documents required locally.
When moving within Germany, deregistration of the old residence is generally handled through registration at the new residence.
Official source: Bundesportal
4. Update address/place of residence in identity documents
After residence registration is completed, update the residence details in the relevant identity documents.
Preferably together with or immediately after registering the new residence.
Passport/identity-card authority or, where available, the electronic residence-registration service.
Identity card/passport/eID card; for online services, online ID/PIN and required device/app.
The registration authority must have completed the residence registration before document details can be updated online.
Official source: Bundesportal
5. Set up mail forwarding and report the new address
A mail-forwarding order can redirect post temporarily, but it does not replace changing your address with authorities, banks, insurers or other contract partners.
Official source: www.deutschepost.de
6. Broadcasting contribution when moving
When moving, check whether the new home must be registered or only the address of an existing contribution account needs to be changed.
After moving, promptly clarify whether an existing contribution account only needs to be changed or whether a residence must be newly registered.
ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice via the official change/registration route.
Contribution number, new address and move-in details; if someone in the household already pays, their contribution number.
As a rule, only one contribution is due per residence. Do not register twice if one person already pays for the residence.
Official source: ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice
7. Update vehicle registration after moving
If applicable: Only if you have a registered vehicle affected by the move.
Vehicle registration procedures are handled by the locally competent registration authority; details depend on region and transaction.
Complete the appropriate registration procedure before using/changing the vehicle.
Locally competent Kfz-Zulassungsbehörde.
Vehicle documents, insurance confirmation, identity and, depending on the procedure, further evidence.
Registration, transfer, deregistration and import require different documents; select the local procedure.
Official source: Bundesportal
8. Update important organisations and service providers
An official federal housing guide lists, among others, immigration authority, health insurer, tax office, bank, insurers and telephone provider as organisations whose address records should be updated.
There is no single deadline for all organisations; review them promptly after moving.
With the competent organisation or provider depending on your situation.
New address, customer/insurance numbers and, if needed, proof of registration.
Not all organisations are automatically notified by the registration authority.
Official source: Bundesministerium für Wohnen, Stadtentwicklung und Bauwesen
