# Germany: Anmeldung and your residence permit

> Two official steps shape your first weeks in Germany: registering your address (Anmeldung) and getting your residence permit. Here is how to prepare.

- Category: Arrival
- Country: Germany
- Verified on: 2026-10-20
- Source: [Make it in Germany](https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/)
- Page: https://travelsorted.grihaam.online/resources/germany-anmeldung-and-residence-permit

## The short answer

After you arrive in Germany, you normally do two official things in your first weeks: **register your address (Anmeldung)** at the local registration office, usually within two weeks of moving in, and **apply for your residence permit** at the local foreigners' authority before your entry visa expires. The details and the booking systems differ by city, so check your city's official pages.

## Step 1: Anmeldung

**What it is.** Registering where you live with the local registration office (often called the Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt).

**What you usually need.**

- Your passport and visa
- The registration form, which many cities provide online
- A **landlord's confirmation of residence (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)**, which your landlord or accommodation provider issues
- Your tenancy or accommodation contract, if the office asks

**What you get.** A registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung). Keep it safe, because you will need it for many other steps.

**Tip.** Appointments can be hard to get in big cities. Start looking for an appointment as soon as you know your address.

## Step 2: Enrolment at your university

You enrol (immatriculate) at your university, usually in the first weeks. Your university tells you which documents it needs, including proof of **health insurance** and your admission letter. Many universities also ask for the registration certificate or your address.

## Step 3: Residence permit

**What it is.** The permit that allows you to stay in Germany for your studies after your entry visa.

**What you usually need.** Your passport, biometric photos, your enrolment certificate, proof of health insurance, proof of financing, your registration certificate and the application form. Your city's foreigners' authority lists the exact documents.

**Timing.** Book your appointment early. Do not wait until your visa is about to expire.

## Other things you may notice

- **Bank account.** Many banks ask for your registration certificate.
- **Broadcasting contribution (Rundfunkbeitrag).** Households in Germany are generally required to pay a broadcasting contribution. You may receive a letter about it. Read it carefully, and ask your student services whether you can apply for an exemption.
- **Semester ticket.** Many universities include local public transport in the semester contribution.

## Checklist

- [ ] Ask your landlord for the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
- [ ] Book an Anmeldung appointment as soon as you have an address
- [ ] Keep your Meldebescheinigung safe, with copies in your document vault
- [ ] Enrol at the university with your insurance proof
- [ ] Look up your city's foreigners' authority and its document list
- [ ] Book a residence permit appointment early
- [ ] Open a German bank account and activate your blocked account, if you have one

## Common mistakes

- Waiting weeks to register
- Moving without telling the authorities. You must register changes too.
- Forgetting copies of documents
- Leaving the residence permit appointment until your visa is nearly over

## Verify before you act

Procedures differ between cities and change from time to time. Check [Make it in Germany](https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/), your city's official website and your university's student office.

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General information, not legal or immigration advice. Confirm current rules, fees and thresholds on the official source above.