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

1. Put your name on the mailbox

German apartments do not have apartment numbers. If your name is not on your mailbox, you will not get your mail, even if the address is
correct.

How to put your name on the mailbox ➞

2. Learn to write your new address

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

How to address letters in Germany ➞

3. Register your address

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

How to register your address ➞

The Bürgeramt will tell other 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.

4. 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…

  • Your bank
    You can change your address on your bank's online portal, or by asking your financial advisor.
  • Your car/home insurance
    If you have vehicle or home insurance, you must tell your insurer about your address change. You can usually do it on their website. You can also contact your insurance broker.
  • Your health insurance
    You can change your address on your health insurer's online portal, or by asking your insurance broker.
  • The Finanzamt
    • If you have a business
      If you use your home address as your business address, you must tell the Finanzamt about your address change1. This page tells you how to do it yourself. Your tax advisor can also do it for you. If your new address is served by a different Finanzamt, you will receive a new Steuernummer1. Don't forget to update your website's Impressum.
    • If you have a dog
      You must tell the Finanzamt about your address change. This is because you must pay a dog tax (Hundesteuer). This guide shows you how to change your address. You must also change your address in the dog registry (Hunderegister). How to register your dog in Berlin.
  • The TV tax (Rundfunkbeitrag)
    The ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice collects the TV tax. You can update your address here. More information about the TV tax.
  • The Kfz-Zulassungsstelle
    If you have a vehicle, you must update your registration papers. You can do this at the local Kfz-Zulassungsstelle or online. You will receive a new Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 11. You can also do it during your Anmeldung. If you move to the same city, you can keep the same registration plates1.
  • The Kita-Gutscheinstelle
    If you send your children to a Kita, you must request a Kitagutschein for your new address.
  • The Ordnungsamt
    If you have a dog from a dangerous breed (pit-bull, American Staffordshire terrier, bullterrier), you must register it at the Ordnungsamt every time you move. If you live in Berlin, start here.
  • The Hunderegister
    If you have a dog, you should update their address in the Hunderegister.