Current language: English

Moving to Berlin: Registration Offices

Ein Schild mit der Aufschrift Bürgeramt

© dpa

The most important places for registration and re-registration of your address, car, dog and registration at school and daycare.

If you're moving to Berlin, you're going to have to deal with a bit of paperwork. While you still have to appear in person at some registration offices and submit forms for certain services, others can also be done by mail or electronically. This articles provides an overview of the most important registration offices and services for new Berliners.

Getting Your Residence Permit

Some people need a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) to live and work in Germany. Whether you need a residence permit depends on your citizenship.

    Registering an Apartment or Address (Anmeldung)

    Anyone who moves to Berlin for the first time or changes apartments within the city has to register or re-register with the relevant authority within 14 days of moving in. This is the so-called Anmeldung. In Berlin, you register you address with the citizens' registration office (Bürgeramt). There are about 80 of them throughout the city. You must appear in person in order to complete your Anmeldung. Appointment can be booked via the service portal. In addition to your ID card or passport, you may have to present several completed forms and a confirmation from your landlord at the appointment.

    Registering a Vehicle in Berlin

    Berlin's vehicle registration authorities offer services related to registering and re-registering cars after moving to Berlin and within the city. Those who wish to keep their old license plate are welcome to do so. Those who would like to reserve a personalized license plate can also contact the relevant offices. In order to use the services of the vehicle registration authorities, you need to book an appointment in advance. Personal appearance is mandatory.

    Bällebad in einer Kita

    © dpa

    Registering Your Child at Daycare

    If you wish to register your child at a daycare center or with a childminder, you should contact the daycare voucher office (Kita-Gutscheinstelle) at the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) of the relevant district authority (Bezirksamt). A daycare voucher can be redeemed at the daycare center or childminder of your choice - provided that a place is available.

    Registering Your Child at School

    The contact persons for school-age children are the education authority (Schulamt) or the school supervisory board (Schulaufsicht). Children of primary school age must first be registered at the school responsible for their place of residence - even if your elementary school of choice is different or the child is to attend a private school.

    Pause in der City

    © dpa

    Registering a Dog in Berlin

    All dogs in Berlin have to be registered with the tax office (Finanzamt) and owners have to pay dog tax (Hundesteuer) When moving to or in Berlin, dog owners must inform the tax office of their new district of residence. The tax registration of the dog must be done within one month after the move to Berlin or after the purchase or birth of the dog. Once the dog is registered, it will receive a dog tax tag. Some dog breeds deemed dangerous - including pit bulls, American Staffordshire terriers, bull terriers or their crossbreeds - must also be registered with the public order office (Ordnungsamt). In addition, all dogs need to be registered in the dog registry (Hunderegister).

    Reregistering with Social Benefit Agencies

    Recipients of social benefits in Germany - such as child benefit (Kindergeld), housing benefit (Wohngeld), child-raising benefit, unemployment benefit, citizen's benefit (Bürgergeld), social welfare (Sozialhilfe) etc. - who move to a new place of residence must inform the relevant authorities in good time. As a rule, the responsible office is informed directly about the move. There is no central office for all social benefit agencies.

    Deregistering an Apartment or Address

    If you moves out of Berlin, you might have to deregister at the Bürgeramt. This is the case, for example, for people who move abroad, people who give up one of several apartments in Germany and keeps their Berlin residence, or people who gives up one of several Berlin apartments. The deregistration must be done within 14 days after moving out. The deregistration can be done in person during an appointment at the Bürgeramt or by mail.

    Related Content

    Panorama Berlin (1)

    © visitBerlin, Foto: Mo Wüstenhagen

    New in Berlin

    Information, tips and useful links for anyone who has newly moved to Berlin or is planning to move to the capital.  more

    Die Karl-Marx-Straße mit dem Rathaus Neukölln

    © dpa

    Berlin's Districts: A Portrait

    Berlin districts and suburbs with information on residential areas, infrastructure, events, local authorities and leisure activities.  more

    Last edited: 12 May 2023