Resident Registration

(Symbolbild) Beine wartender Menschen in einer Schlange
CC0 Creative Commons

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 following entry from abroad or relocation within Germany will been carried out directly 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.