Resident Registration

(Symbolbild) Beine wartender Menschen in einer Schlange
CC0 Creative Commons

Everyone who moves into a house or flat in Germany is obliged to register. Within two weeks of entering the country you will normally have to register at the Residents' Registration Office or the Immigration Office. 

Required documents

  • the document "Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung" (landlord's confirmation) (Essen, Duisburg (PDF))
  • your passport or equivalent document
  • marriage certificate (if registering together with spouse)

After registration you will receive

  • Taxpayer Identification Number ("Steueridentifikationsnummer"), which will be sent to you by post after you have registered
  • "Meldebescheinigung" which confirms that you have registered

Moving within Germany

Even if you are "only" moving within Germany, you still need to go to the Foreigners' Office or Registration Office in the city you are moving to to change your address.

EU-Nationals

If you are a national of an EU member state, you are required to register as a citizen at your local authority. Please make sure which local authority is responsible for your place of residence.

For registrations in other cities, please contact us via mail (welcome@uni-due.de).

Duisburg

Appointments for registrations can be made online: Appointments Bürgeramt Duisburg. The website is offered in several languages and will guide you through the reservation of an appointment.

Essen

Appointments for registrations can be made online: Appointments Bürgeramt Essen

Non-EU and non-EEA citizens

For registrations in other cities, please contact us via mail (welcome@uni-due.de)

Duisburg

Registrations are handled by the City of Duisburg Citizens' Service Office. Appointments for registration can be arranged online:  Appointments Bürgeramt Duisburg. The website is offered in several languages and will guide you through the reservation of an appointment.

If you are leaving Germany and wish to de-register, please contact us for further information: welcome@uni-due.de. 

Essen

Appointments for the registration in Essen can currently only be made via phone. The Servicehotline of the Foreigner's Office can be reached via +49 (0) 201-88-38883. The following information will need to be provided:

  • Name
  • Date of Birth
  • citizenship
  • type of visa/residence permit
  • a current e-mail address for the confirmation e-mail.

As appointments are issued on very short notice, please only call to ask for an appointment if you have your visa, passport, rental contract and landlord's confirmation ready. For opening hours of the service hotline, please see here: Service Hotline of the Foreigner's Office Essen

If you wish to change your address after moving within Essen, or you are leaving Essen and wish to de-register, you can make an appointment with the Bürgeramt Essen.