Late Registration or Change of Address in Germany: These Legal Consequences May Arise

Why Timely Registration Is Important – And What Happens If You Forget

Anyone who moves into a residence in Germany is legally required to register (or re-register) with the local registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) within a specified period. What many international newcomers don’t know: A delayed registration can have legal and financial consequences – sometimes with unpleasant effects on your residence status, tax obligations, or eligibility for social benefits.

This article explains what matters, the deadlines you need to know, and how to avoid unnecessary problems.

1. Legal Basis and Deadlines

The obligation to register is set out in the Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz – BMG). Section 17, Paragraph 1 states:

“Anyone who moves into a residence must register with the registration authority within two weeks of moving in.”

This also applies to a change of residence within Germany, where re-registration must also take place within this period.

2. What Happens If You Register Late?

If the two-week deadline is missed, this is considered an administrative offense. The relevant registration authority can impose a fine – depending on the federal state and the specific case, this can be up to 1,000 euros, and in particularly serious cases, even up to 3,000 euros.

Whether a fine is actually imposed often depends on the person’s behavior. Those who make an effort to register late and cooperate can often expect only a warning or a small fine.

3. Common Consequences in Practice

a) Problems with Residence Permits and Visas

For many third-country nationals, registration of residence is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit. A delayed registration can, for example, lead to delays in getting a residence permit or cause issues with family reunification.

b) No Tax ID

Without registration, you won’t receive a tax identification number – a key document for starting work, opening a bank account, or communicating with the tax office.

c) No Access to Social Benefits

Child benefit, parental allowance, or student financial aid (BAföG) are generally only granted if you can prove an official residence in Germany.

4. Special Cases: What Applies to Hotels, Subletting, or Temporary Arrangements?

Many newcomers spend their first few weeks in a hotel, with friends, or in temporary housing arrangements. Important: Even temporary residences must be registered if the stay lasts longer than a week and qualifies as a “residence” in the legal sense.

Tip: Registration is usually possible even with a temporary arrangement – e.g., with a confirmation from the subletter or landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung).

5. Our Recommendation: How to Avoid Problems

• Register at the local citizen’s office (Bürgeramt) within two weeks of moving in.

• Schedule an appointment early – in big cities, waiting times can be long.

• Get a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (confirmation from the landlord or main tenant) – this is mandatory if you’re renting.

• Document your actual move-in (e.g., with a flight ticket or rental contract) in case questions arise later.

• Seek legal advice promptly if you’ve missed the deadline or are already experiencing issues.

  
  

Conclusion

A late registration might seem like a minor oversight at first glance, but it can have serious legal consequences – especially for people who are not German citizens. Early registration not only protects you from fines but also secures access to many essential services and rights in Germany.

Do you have questions or need support with your registration or residence process?

We are happy to advise you – individually, in multiple languages, and with expertise.