Registering at the KVR or Bürgerbüro
More than just paperwork: register upon arrival!
Your Munich residence registration (“Anmeldung“) gives you official residency status.
Without this important document, many other formalities such as opening a bank account, receiving your tax ID, or applying for a residence permit are not possible. Registration is your key to navigating life in Munich smoothly and settling in completely.
Fortunately, registering your new address is quite simple. Do not wait too long, though, as you must register your address in Germany within 14 days of entering the country. You can do this at the Einwohnermeldeamt (KVR) or Bürgerbüro. Find out more here!
More on residence permit:
Whether it’s a residence permit, EU Blue Card, or family reunification—all of these procedures require a huge amount of paperwork. But no worries: ‘Make it in Munich’ provides the crucial information you need to transition smoothly. Take an in-depth look at the information and links on this page.
Your key steps toward registering as a resident in Munich
Remember, registering your residency (“Anmeldung“) is crucial and needs to be done within 2 weeks of arrival. However, appointments at the citizen’s office (“Bürgerbüro“) can take 3 to 6 weeks, so planning ahead (while you are still abroad) is key! You need to register in person or you may give another person a letter of authorization to register on your behalf.
Here is how to book your appointment online:
- Visit the Bürgerbüro page, scroll down until you find the ‘Book an appointment online’ button, click on it. You will be taken to the page ‘Terminvereinbarung’. There, you should select “Meldeangelegenheiten” (registration services).
- Choose “An- oder Ummeldung – Einzelperson” (registration or re-registration – single person), or “Familie” if registering your family.
- Click “weiter” (next) and select your preferred Bürgerbüro. Use Google Maps to check availability and proximity to your new home.
- Once you have chosen an office, use the calendar to book an appointment slot.
Top Tip: Act fast! The earlier you book, the smoother your transition to Munich life will be.
While you wait for your appointment, gather the documents you will need for a smooth registration process.
Get your registration ready: Here is your pre-appointment checklist
Identification:
Provide valid ID (passport preferred) for yourself and everyone moving with you.
Residence permit (if applicable):
Non-EU or EEA citizens need to bring their current residence documentation.
Registration form (“Anmeldeform“):
Download and complete the form beforehand. The form is available in English here. Don’t forget to sign it!
Move-in Confirmation (“Wohnungsgeberbestätigung“):
Original document signed by your landlord or property owner confirming your move-in date and address. You can find the form here.
Optional:
- Civil status certificates (marriage/birth) may be required for first-time registrations. Get official translations if needed.
- Supplement to the registration form: If you have another residence in Germany, you will need this additional form to declare your primary address.
You can download all the forms you need for your registration (including the “restricting information disclosure form“) here
Tip: Gather all documents well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress!
Almost there – time to meet in person: Double-check all your documents before your appointment to ensure a smooth and successful registration.
- Arrive on time: Punctuality is valued in Germany, so aim to arrive a few minutes early for your scheduled appointment.
- Take a number (Vorgangsnummer) if needed: Some Bürgeramt offices might use a queuing system. Pay attention to any displayed numbers or announcements to avoid missing your turn.
- Present your documents: Once called, present your completed documents to the Bürgeramt official. They will guide you through the registration process.
You will receive a written confirmation of registration. This proof of registration is often required by other institutions or authorities.
Citizens’ Bureaus (Bürgerbüros) - what are they?
The Bürgerbüro, part of the Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR), has six locations throughout Munich.
At the Bürgerbüros in Munich you can choose from a variety of services: registering your residence, applying for identity documents, certificates of good conduct, authentications, life certificates for pension insurance, and car registration. You can always make an appointment at one of the Bürgerbüros. Simply select the office closest to you to access the services you need.
Did you know?
The Integreat App is a digital platform that provides newly arrived migrants and refugees with all relevant information at the municipal level – in multiple languages.
These numbers count: tax ID and social security number
Did you just register as a resident in Munich? Here is a quick guide to getting your tax ID and social security number in order.
Tax ID (Steuer-ID):
- Everyone gets one: This 11-digit number, commonly known as the „IdNr.", is crucial for tax matters in Germany. It is issued by the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt)
- Family members (spouses, children) living with you also receive individual tax IDs - even if they don't work
- The tax identification number is automatically in the mail - within a few weeks of your city registration
- This number is essential for social security contributions like state pension, unemployment insurance, and long-term care
- To get it, you need to enroll in a public health insurance program (e.g., Barmer, TK, AOK, DAK)
- Once enrolled, the social security number arrives by mail within 4-6 weeks
Top Tip: Both IDs are essential for navigating life and work in Germany. Ensure you take care of these steps upon arrival.
