Registering your residence in Berlin

Welcome to Berlin! It’s great that you have found a new job and a new flat. Your next step is to register your place of residence with the local authorities. In Berlin, there are several Citizens’ Offices (“Bürgerämter”) in each district. There, you can either make an appointment or register your residence without appointment and with a bit of waiting time. Alternatively, you can also register your residence digitally. This saves time and effort. Please refer to the information provided by the Bürgeramt for the required documents.

The following documents are required in any case:

• ID card and – if available – passport of the person to be registered (for digital registration, you will need a BundID account)
• Registration form from the Residents’ Registry Office (“Einwohnermeldeamt”). This form is also available from the Citizens’ Office)
• ID card and/or birth certificate of any children living with you
• Tenancy or purchase agreement
• Confirmation from the landlord/principal tenant that you have moved in (if you are not mentioned on the tenancy agreement)
• Marriage certificate (if available and necessary)

The best way to book your appointment with the Citizens’ Office in Berlin is online.

The State of Berlin’s service app allows you to access all local authority services in Berlin while out and about and book appointments online. GPS positioning allows you to easily locate the offices in your area and tells you how far away they are.

If you need help registering your residence, we also recommend the AiRelo Service Assistant. AiRelo provides 24/7 assistance, in English, with any questions regarding the registration process. Check it out!

Be it help with completing forms, official visits, translations or personal services – simply submit a query on MyHelpBuddy.com and see what the buddies have to say. Buddies are volunteer Berlin residents who will help you settle in when you arrive in the capital.

District Offices in Berlin: twelve districts, twelve Offices

If you want to register your residency or apply for a passport, the Berlin District Office is your first point of contact. There are twelve District Offices in Berlin – each district has its own District Office. These provide access to the following services:

• Registration certificate 
• Initial issue and extension of your driving licence
• International driving licence
• Transfer an overseas driving licence
• Family pass
• ID card and passport 
• Transfer a residence permit to a new passport

OUR TIP

It is best to book your appointment directly online using the State of Berlin’s service app!