How to change your address in Germany

When you move into a new apartment, you must change your address. It’s not automatic. This guide shows you how to do it.

Put your name on the mailbox

German apartment buildings rarely have individual apartment numbers. You have the same address as everyone in your building. If your name is not on your mailbox, you won’t get mail addressed to you. You must add “c/o” or “bei” to your address.

How to put your name on the mailbox ➞

Learn to write your new address

German addresses are a little different. Learn to write yours correctly.

How to address letters in Germany ➞

Register your address

Register your address at the Bürgeramt. This is called the Anmeldung.

How to register your address ➞

The Bürgeramt will tell these people your new address:

  • Your church
    If you pay the church tax, your church will know about your address change.
  • The TV tax (Rundfunkbeitrag)
    The ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice knows when you change your address. They will collect the TV tax for your new address.
  • The Ausländerbehörde
    Bring your residence permit to your Anmeldung appointment. They will put a sticker on it with your new address. You don’t need to go to the Ausländerbehörde to update your residence permit.
  • The Kfz-Zulassungsstelle
    Bring your vehicle registration papers to your Anmeldung appointment. They will put a sticker on them with your new address. It costs 10.80€ per vehicle.

Notify everyone

Use umziehen.de to tell over 1000 companies your new address. It’s a free service from Deutsche Post. They only share your new address with businesses that already know your old address.

You should also tell…

Forward your mail

Deutsche Post has a mail forwarding service. If you get mail at your old address, they will send it to your new address. It costs less than 30€ per year. It only works for Deutsche Post and DHL mail. It does not work for other delivery services.

Deregistration.de has also has a mail forwarding service. It’s cheaper.

Sources and footnotes
  1. umzugsportal.de 

  2. umziehen.de 

  3. berlin.de