Residential Registration

Any person residing in Germany is required to register with the local authorities at their place of residence within one week of moving in. Failing to do so is a misdemeanour and results in fines.

A person who leaves Germany to live abroad is required to deregister accordingly. Only a few exceptions from the duty to deregister are stipulated in the respective Registration Acts (“Meldegesetze”). Please consult your local authority in order to discuss whether an exception applies to you.

What Do I Need a Confirmation of Deregistration for?

When applying for a passport or change of residence entry in your passport, you must prove to the German Mission abroad that you deregistered with your last residence in Germany. If you did not do so, the local authority at your last place of residence in Germany is still competent to take your passport application. Only when giving a sufficient reason can you launch an application abroad and additional fees and longer processing times will apply.

How Do I Get a Confirmation of Deregistration?

You did not receive a confirmation of deregistration or you lost it? Please contact the local authority at your last place of residence to receive a new one. It is usually possible to contact them online, by email or fax. Contact details can easily be found on the internet.

What if I Do not Deregister?

If you continue to be registered in Germany, the local authority at your last place of residence is responsible for any administrative matters relating to you. The German Missions abroad can only act in cases of emergency, additional fees and longer processing times will apply. In addition, you will not qualify for VAT refunds but will still be liable for church tax.