Proof of residence certificate in Germany (Wohngebersbestätigung)

Since 2015, anyone renting in Germany who wishes to register their address needs an extra piece of paperwork: the Proof of Residence Certificate (Wohnunggeberbestätigung), which functions like a proof of address in Germany. Here’s an explanation of what is meant by a Wohnunggeberbestätigung, and how to get one. 

Why do I need proof of residence?

The proof of residence certificate is a form, filled out and signed by your landlord, confirming that you have moved into a new place of residence. It has several different names in German, that all refer to the same thing:

• Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
• Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung
• Vermieterbestätigung 
• Vermieterbescheinigung

By law, anyone wishing to get registered at the local citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) needs one. You cannot complete your Anmeldung without a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. It is not enough to simply provide a rental contract, as it does not contain the right details.

The law - Section 19 of the Federal Registration Act - was brought in in November 2015 to combat so-called “Scheinanmeldungen” (sham registrations), where people register at addresses despite not actually living there. This might be to get into the catchment area for a good school or to save money on car insurance by registering at an address in a lower risk area.

What goes in a proof of residence certificate (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)?

Your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung should contain the following information:

• Name and address of the landlord or lead tenant - whoever the “property giver” (Wohnungsgeber - see below) is in your situation
• Name of the property owner (if the Wohnungsgeber does not own the property)
• Move-in date
• The address of the property
• The name(s) of the people moving in, who need to register at the address

Who should fill out the proof of residence certificate?

If you are renting, in general it is your landlord who needs to fill out the proof of residence certificate, or someone acting on their behalf. According to the Federal Registration Act, the person who provides the property (the “property giver” or Wohnungsgeber) is authorised to sign the proof of residence certificate. This could be: 

• The landlord
• The housing company that manages the rental
• The main tenant, who is authorised to sublet the living space on the landlord’s behalf - for instance if a subtenant moves in, or the main tenant’s partner or family member

If you are buying a house, as the property’s owner you can fill out and sign the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung yourself.

Wohnungsgeberbestätigung template

Your landlord should be able to provide a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung with little hassle, but in case you need a template you can easily find one online. Hamburg.de has a good Wohnungsgeberbestätigung template that you can print out and ask your landlord, lead tenant or rental agency to sign. 

Using your proof of address to register

Once your proof of residence certificate has been signed by your landlord, property agency or lead tenant, there are two options:

• You take the completed paper form to your registration appointment 
• Your landlord transmits the form to the registration authority electronically

It’s perfectly acceptable to take the hard-copy proof of residence certificate to your registration appointment. The official will check the details, make sure your other paperwork is correct, and then issue your registration certificate.

Alternatively, your landlord may also be able send the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung electronically to the registration authority. If they do this, they will give you an identification code (Zuordnungsmerkmal) to provide when you attend your registration appointment. With this code, the official will be able to check your proof of address in their system. 

What do I do if my landlord won’t sign the certificate of residence?

Legally, your landlord is obligated to provide you with a proof of residence certificate. Failure to do so could result in them being fined up to 1.000 euros.

If your landlord refuses to provide a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, or if you are unable to provide the proof of residence certificate on time for any other reason, you should inform your local registration authority as soon as possible. 

Do I need a landlord confirmation letter when I move out?

You only need a landlord confirmation letter or certificate when you move into a new address in Germany. This is the same every time you change address - you will have to provide a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung to register each time. 

In general, you do not need a landlord confirmation letter when you move out. When you register your new address, your previous address will automatically be overwritten. 

The only exception is if you are deregistering because you are leaving Germany permanently. In that case you will need to provide confirmation from your landlord that you have moved or are moving out, and the date upon which you will move, in order to deregister.