Registering residence for longer stays in Germany (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: A person moving into a dwelling must register with the registration authority within two weeks. Deregistration is due within two weeks of moving out if no new dwelling is taken up in Germany.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Duty to registerMoving for a longer stay | Required [1] |
| DeadlineMoving for a longer stay | Within two weeks after moving in. [1] |
| Where to registerMoving for a longer stay | The registration authority (Meldebehörde). [1] |
| Document for EU citizensMoving for a longer stay | The law provides only for a certificate of permanent residence right, issued on application; it does not provide a certificate of residence right for Union citizens before that. [2] |
| Deregistration on leavingMoving for a longer stay | Within two weeks of moving out, if no new dwelling is taken up in Germany; it can be filed from one week before the move. [1] |
Sources
- Bundesministerium der Justiz / Juris (Gesetze im Internet): Bundesmeldegesetz (BMG) § 17 Anmeldung, Abmeldung (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Bundesministerium der Justiz / Juris (Gesetze im Internet): Gesetz über die allgemeine Freizügigkeit von Unionsbürgern (FreizügG/EU) § 5 Aufenthaltskarten, Bescheinigung über das Daueraufenthaltsrecht (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.