Leave Germany / deregister
13 tasks in suggested order
1. Check the destination country’s entry, residence and work rules
Before moving, check which entry, residence and work rules apply in the destination country to your nationality and purpose of stay. The Federal Foreign Office travel information is a starting point; the destination country’s rules are decisive.
Official source: www.auswaertiges-amt.de
2. End the tenancy, complete the handover and record meter readings
Terminate or hand over the home according to your contract, document its condition at handover and record meter readings. Also settle the deposit, keys and final billing.
Official source: www.bmwsb.bund.de
3. End electricity, gas, internet and other ongoing contracts
Check each ongoing contract separately: cancel it, transfer it to another person or, if offered, move it to the new address. Deregistering your residence does not automatically end electricity, internet or other contracts.
Official source: www.bmwsb.bund.de
4. Set up mail forwarding and report the new address
A mail forwarding service can temporarily redirect mail to the new address, but it does not replace changing your address with authorities, banks, insurers or contractual partners.
Official source: www.deutschepost.de
5. Deregister residence with the registration authority
Anyone moving out without taking another residence in Germany generally has to deregister within two weeks; for moves within Germany, registration at the new residence is sufficient.
When moving abroad or where there is no new residence in Germany, deregister generally within 2 weeks; check the earliest possible time under the local procedure.
Competent Meldebehörde at the previous place of residence; configure the federal portal by location.
Identity document and the information about moving out/destination required by the Meldebehörde.
Do not deregister for every move: when moving within Germany, registration at the new residence is generally sufficient.
Official source: Bundesportal
6. Clarify health and long-term care insurance before leaving
Before leaving, ask your health and long-term care insurer whether German coverage ends, continues or requires special documents for the destination country. This depends, among other things, on the destination, employment status and type of insurance.
Official source: www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de
7. Tell the tax office the foreign address and clarify open tax matters
If tax returns, advance payments or other procedures are still open, give the tax office a reachable foreign address. Also check whether German tax obligations continue after the move because of German income or assets.
Official source: www.elster.de
8. Inform the employment agency, job centre and other benefit offices
Inform the relevant benefit office before leaving. Unemployment benefit, basic income support and family benefits may change or end abroad; some benefits have special rules for export or continued payment.
Official source: www.arbeitsagentur.de
9. If receiving a pension, report the move abroad in good time
If you already receive a German pension, report the new foreign address and bank details in good time. German Pension Insurance recommends informing the Pension Service about two months before the move; effects can depend on the destination country and your insurance periods.
Official source: Deutsche Rentenversicherung
10. Deregister the broadcasting contribution account when leaving permanently
If you move abroad permanently and no longer have a home in Germany, deregister the broadcasting contribution account with the contribution service. Check which proof of departure is required.
Official source: www.rundfunkbeitrag.de
11. Clarify vehicle deregistration or export with the registration office
Decide whether to deregister or sell the vehicle in Germany or use it for export. Export plates, registration and insurance have separate procedures; also check registration in the destination country.
Official source: verwaltung.bund.de
12. Deregister children from school or childcare and secure their records
Inform the school or childcare provider of the move in good time and keep certificates, learning records or childcare documents for registration in the destination country. The exact deregistration procedure depends on the state and institution.
Official source: familienportal.de
13. Check entry, vaccination and customs rules for pets
Check the destination country’s entry rules for your pet early, such as identification, vaccinations, pet passport, health certificate or quarantine. Travel outside the EU may involve additional import and return rules.
Official source: www.bmel.de
