Anmeldung in Munich in English: how to register your address

Approaching the Anmeldung in Munich is a little bit confusing, if you don’t know any German. This is the point of this short guide. At the end of this post, you will know what to do, where to go and why it’s so important for your life in Munich.

What is the Anmeldung in Germany?

The Anmeldung is probably the most important administrative step for anyone who has just moved to Germany. It involves registering your address with the local government, and will allow you begin other official processes such as opening a bank account, signing up for German health insurance, applying for a residency permit, enrolling in university, obtaining a tax ID and even something as simple as getting a mobile phone number.

In Munich, you have to do your Anmeldung at your local citizens office called the Bürgerbüro, a branch of the Department of Public Order, or Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR). If you can’t find an appointment at the Bürgerbüro closest to you, you can try make an appointment at any of the six branches in Munich.

Once you’ve arrived in Munich and moved into your new residence, you have about two weeks to register your address. On paper it’s possible that you could get fined for taking too long to register, but this rule isn’t strictly enforced – especially as Anmeldung appointments are sometimes backed up for between three to six months. That being said, it’s probably better to be safe than sorry.

Once you’ve finished your Anmeldung, the local authorities will issue you with a residence registration certificate called a Meldebescheinigung. This A4 piece of paper might look unimportant, but this document that will unlock the rest of everyday life in Germany for you.

Compared to a visa application, doing your Anmeldung is pretty painless and straightforward, but it can still be an anxious experience if you’ve never had to deal with German bureaucracy before. This English Anmeldung for Munich guide will walk you through the residence registration process and demystify the whole experience even further.

What documents are needed for the Anmeldung in Munich?

Like any other bureaucratic process in Germany, your residence registration in Munich requires a long list of documents that you have to bring with you to the registration office. So before you leave your house, make sure you print out the following documents and have them with you on the day of your appointment:

• Registration form or Meldeschein – Filled out and signed.

  This form contains all of your personal details, address information, document data, and more. You can use Appmeldung to fill in the residence registration form for Munich in English to avoid making mistakes. Use this link to register 1 person in Munich and this other link to register 2 persons.

• Identification: This can take the form of a valid identification card or passport. If you’re registering on behalf of your family then you need each person’s identification too.
• Residence permit :If you’re not an EU or EEA citizen then you will need to bring a valid residence permit that shows you have permission to live in Germany.
• Confirmation form from landlord or lady, or Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. This is a pretty simple document that is essentially a statement from your landlord that confirms that you have moved in at your current address. In the case of sublet or flatshare, the main tenant can also fill this in. You can find this form (in German) online here, and an English guide here.
• Civil status certificate

  If you are married, you might also be asked to show your marriage certificate during your residence registration in Munich. If your certificate is in a foreign language you might also have to get it translated into German.

In the following cases you might also be asked for additional documents:

• If you’re divorced, you might be asked for your original divorce decree.
• If you’re widowed, you might be required to show your spouse’s death certificate.
• If you’re the holder of an electronic residence permit (eAT), you will need to show it.

Booking an appointment for your residence registration in Munich

It’s possible to get an appointment simply by showing up at a Bürgerbüro, but you’ll likely wait for a few hours (or even half a day), to see someone. An easier and more convenient option is to book an appointment online by following this link, then following these steps:

• Click on Meldeangelegenheiten and an additional menu with a list of services will open.
• If you’re an individual, click on the dropdown menu next to An- oder Ummeldung – Einzelperson and select the number of people you’re registering for.
  If you’re a family, click on the dropdown menu next to An- oder Ummeldung – Familie and do the same. Then click the button that says Weiter.
• On the next page you will be shown a list of Bürgerbüros that may have available appointments. Click on each one and look through the calendar for a free date. When you find one, select a date and time that works for you. 
• Finally, enter your information including your Anrede (title), name, e-mail and Geburtsdatum (date of birth). Once you’re happy with your selection, click the Reservierung abschließen button to confirm your registration. 
• You’ll now receive an email with a confirmation link. Once you click on the link, you’ll get a waiting number (Wartenummer or Terminnummer) that will let you know when it’s your turn to be seen on the day of the appointment.

Getting an appointment fast

In Munich and many other larger cities in Germany, it’s not always possible to get a timely Anmeldung appointment, even if you urgently need one. A good way of getting around this is to check the online booking system early in the morning. Since many people cancel their appointments at the last minute, you can often find open slots by continually refreshing the page.

Attending the appointment

On the day of your Anmeldung, arrive at the Bürgerbüro on time with all the required documents. Your waiting number will be displayed on a screen in a waiting hall, and it will be called when it’s your turn. Make sure you don’t miss your number or you’ll need to make a new appointment.

A few things to keep in mind:

• At some point during the process you’ll get asked about your religion. Even if you are faithful, it’s a good idea to say you’re not, otherwise you’ll have to pay a German church tax of between 8% and 9% of your income. Using Appmeldung automatically opts you out of this.
• If you moved to Munich specifically for work, mention this to the city worker helping you so that they can request a German tax ID for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to go in person?

Always. While you can book an appointment online, you have to be physically present (unless you give someone power of attorney to do it on your behalf) to do your Anmeldung.

Do I need to bring my rental contract with me?

This isn’t a strict requirement but it couldn’t hurt. As long as you have your landlord confirmation form (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) though, you should be fine.

Should I arrive to the KVR or Bürgerbüro early?

It’s always a good idea to arrive 10 or 15 minutes before your residence registration in Munich.If you’re attending without an appointment, then consider showing up an hour before the department opens.