Residence Registration
In Germany, everyone is legally required to register their place of residence. Anyone moving into a room or flat must register with the local Citizens’ Office / Residents' Registration Office (Bürgeramt / Einwohnermeldeamt) within two weeks of moving in. Similarly, any change of address (including within Heidelberg) must be reported. Residence registration can be completed independently of university enrolment – you can register your residence without being enrolled.
Where do I register my place of residence?
If you live within the municipal area of Heidelberg, you can register your address at the Citizens’ Office of your district. Information about the respective offices and their walk-in consultation hours can be found on the website of the City of Heidelberg linked on the right.
If you live outside the municipal area of Heidelberg, please contact the relevant Citizens’ Office / Residents’ Registration Office in your place of residence.
How do I register my place of residence?
Registration can be completed at the Citizens’ Office either in person or via video conference (“Virtual Citizens’ Office” / “Bürgeramt Virtuell” ). Please book an appointment in advance, either online at termin.heidelberg.de or by telephone on +49 6221 58 13333 (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm). Visits without an appointment are only possible in urgent cases and during designated hours.
To book an appointment online at termin.heidelberg.de:
- Select “Bürgeramt Virtuell” if you would like to register by video conference or “Bürgeramt” if you would like to register in person.
- Select “Anmeldung, Ummeldung & weitere Meldeangelegenheiten” (Registration, Change of Address & other Registration Matters).
- Choose “Anmeldung" or "Ummeldung innerhalb Heidelbergs” (Registration or Change of Address within Heidelberg).
- Click “Weiter” (Continue) and then “OK”.
- Select your preferred date and time for the video conference or in-person appointment at the Citizens’ Office.
Please note that online registration via BundID is currently only available to people with an electronic ID card (eID) who are moving within Germany. For students moving to Germany from abroad, registration of residence is therefore only possible in person or via video conference.
Which documents are required?
- Passport or national identity card
- Confirmation of residence from your landlord/landlady (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
- Rental agreement (only required if you do not have a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
Students who require a residence permit for their studies can only apply for this once they have registered their address. If you have not yet found permanent accommodation at the time of applying for a residence permit, please provide the address of your current accommodation (e.g. youth hostel or guesthouse).
Things to keep in mind after moving in
In Germany, every household (i.e. all people living in one flat) is legally required to pay a monthly contribution to the public broadcasting service (öffentlich-rechtlicher Rundfunk), regardless of whether its radio, television, or online services are used.
After moving in, please check with your landlord / landlady or, if applicable, with your flatmates, whether this fee is already being paid for your accommodation. If you need to register, you can find further information on the official website for the public broadcasting fee.