Resident Registration
Everyone who moves into a house or flat in Germany is obliged to register. Within two weeks of entering the country you will normally have to register at the Residents' Registration Office or the Immigration Office.
Required documents
- the document "Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung" (landlord's confirmation) (Essen, Duisburg (PDF))
- your passport or equivalent document
- marriage certificate (if registering together with spouse)
After registration you will receive
- Taxpayer Identification Number ("Steueridentifikationsnummer"), which will be sent to you by post after you have registered
- "Meldebescheinigung" which confirms that you have registered
Moving within Germany
Even if you are "only" moving within Germany, you still need to go to the Foreigners' Office or Registration Office in the city you are moving to to change your address.
EU-Nationals
If you are a national of an EU member state, you are required to register as a citizen at your local authority. Please make sure which local authority is responsible for your place of residence.
For registrations in other cities, please contact us via mail (welcome@uni-due.de).
Duisburg
Appointments for registrations can be made online: Appointments Bürgeramt Duisburg. The website is offered in several languages and will guide you through the reservation of an appointment.
Essen
Appointments for registrations can be made online: Appointments Bürgeramt Essen
Non-EU and non-EEA citizens
For registrations in other cities, please contact us via mail (welcome@uni-due.de)
Duisburg
From July 2024, registrations and re-registrations can be done at the City of Duisburg Citizens' Service Office. Appointments for registration/re-registration can be arranged online: Appointments Bürgeramt Duisburg. The website is offered in several languages and will guide you through the reservation of an appointment.
Essen
In Essen, responsibility is decided according to the target group. Appointments can be requested by e-mail or phone.
- For international researchers (§18b to §18f): welcome-center@essen.de or +49 201 88-38777. The current opening hours and address can be found on the Welcome Center website: Welcome- und Service Center Essen (WSC).
- For international students: studententermine@abh.essen.de or +49 201 88-38777. The current opening hours and address can be found on the Welcome Center website: Welcome- und Service Center Essen (WSC).