Getting a registration certificate is the one of the first and most important steps that expats in Germany have to take. A registration certificate (an Anmeldebestätigung or a Meldebescheinigung) proves that you are registered at an address in Germany and is therefore required for a number of administrative processes.
What is the registration certificate?
A registration certificate is a proof of address, given to everyone who lives in Germany, whether expat or German citizen. It contains the following information:
- Registration date
- Move-in date
- Address
- Name and date of birth of the person registering
- The details of the registration authority, including a stamp and date
Although they are very similar in look and function, there are strictly speaking two kinds of registration certificates in Germany, with similar but different names in German:
- The registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung or Meldebestätigung)
- The copy of the registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
The registration certificate (Anmeldebestätigung)
The Anmeldebestätigung is the version of the registration certificate that is given to you when you first register in Germany. It shows the original registration date, which is the date when you first moved into the property.
The copy of the registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
The Meldebescheinigung is a copy (or extract) from the registration record. It shows the date when the copy was made, and the address where the person is registered.
The reason the Meldebescheinigung exists is because the Anmeldebestätigung only shows the address you were living at when you first registered. Someone could otherwise change address and yet still present their original registration certificate as “proof of address”. Most authorities therefore ask for a registration certificate that is no more than six months old. This is a Meldebescheinigung, a copy of the registration certificate.
What do I need a registration certificate for?
The registration certificate will be required for all kinds of processes in Germany, especially ones that involve any kind of a contract, such as:
Note that the registration certificate does not automatically grant expats the right to live and work in Germany. You may also need to apply for a residence permit.
How do I get an Anmeldebestätigung?
You will receive your Anmeldebestätigung when you register at your local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) when you first arrive in Germany. You can find out more about the process and the documents you will need to register on our registration in Germany page.
How to get a Meldebescheinigung
If you previously registered your address but now need a copy of your registration certificate (for instance, if you registered several years ago but need a certificate that is less than six months old, or if you have lost your original registration certificate), it is relatively simple to get hold of one. Some German cities even offer the option of requesting one online.
Get a Meldebescheinigung online
You can request a Meldebescheinigung online via the following links:
You can also check the Verwaltung digital website to see if an online service is available in your region.
Note that to use the online option, you will need to have an eID enabled.
Get a Meldebescheinigung in person
If your city or region does not offer an online service, you can still get your Meldebescheinigung by visiting the citizens’ office in person. You may have to make an appointment in advance. Select “Meldebescheinigung beantragen” as the reason for your appointment.
You will have to bring the following to your appointment:
- Passport or some other form of ID
- A small fee in the region of 5 to 15 euros
Extended registration certificate (erweiterte Meldebescheinigung)
Sometimes (although rarely) you might need an extended registration certificate (erweiterte Meldebescheinigung). This, as the name suggests, is another registration certificate that contains more information, including:
- Your previous addresses
- Your registered spouse
- Your children
If you are asked to provide an erweiterte Meldebescheinigung, you can get one by booking an appointment at the citizens’ office and attending in person. You’ll need to bring a form of ID and pay a small fee. It’s not usually possible to get the extended registration certificate online.