Sort out your paperwork in Germany, one task at a time

Know what you need to do? Start there, and the right office follows

In Germany the office you need depends on the task. Address registration, ID cards and passports, driving licences, vehicle plates and residence permits each go to a different counter, and each city or district sets its own way of working. Pick the paperwork in front of you and take it from there.

Browse offices by citySearch guides

No need to know the German name of the office

Pick the task you need to sort out

Choose a service such as registering a car, applying for a passport, ordering a birth certificate or exchanging a foreign driving licence. Each one explains who it is for and leads to the local offices that deal with it, so a plain description of the task is enough to start.

Help with rent and living costs in Germany

For people who cannot cover rent, food or other basic costs. See whether the Sozialamt or the Jobcenter is your starting point and how to reach them.

135 offices · 39 cities

Tax registration with the Finanzamt in Germany

For freelancers, sole traders and new business owners. See how tax registration works, what the Steuernummer is for and which tax office can help.

108 offices · 37 cities

Report a change of address in Germany

For people who already live in Germany and move to a new home. See how to update your registered address and which office takes it.

104 offices · 39 cities

Residence permit applications in Germany

For students, workers and family members from outside the EU. See which office handles your stay and how applications start.

103 offices · 38 cities

Register your address after arriving in Germany

For anyone moving into a home in Germany from another country. See what the registration involves and which office in your city deals with it.

98 offices · 39 cities

Certificate of your registered address

For anyone who has to show where they live. See what the certificate covers and which office in your city issues it.

95 offices · 39 cities

Deregister your address when leaving Germany

For anyone giving up their last home in Germany. See when you need to report your departure and which office accepts it.

94 offices · 38 cities

German national identity card

For German citizens who need a first or a replacement ID card. See what the application involves and where to apply in your city.

94 offices · 39 cities

German passport for adults and children

For German citizens who need a first, renewed or replacement passport. See what the application involves and which office handles it.

94 offices · 39 cities

Help with your digital ID in Germany

For anyone who cannot log in with their ID card or residence permit. See what the online ID needs and where to get it activated or reset.

89 offices · 38 cities

Proof of a registered partnership in Germany

For people who registered a partnership in Germany and need official proof, for example for pension or insurance matters or for use abroad. See where to order it.

74 offices · 34 cities

Residence for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens

For EU, EEA and Swiss citizens settling in Germany. See which steps apply to you, from address registration to residence documents, and which office helps.

59 offices · 30 cities

Renew or replace your German licence

For drivers who already hold a German licence. See which situation applies to you and where to ask for the new card.

56 offices · 38 cities

Birth, marriage and death certificates in Germany

For anyone who needs official proof of a birth, marriage or death. Find out which registry office issues it and how to ask for it.

54 offices · 39 cities

Register a birth or marriage that took place abroad

For German citizens whose birth or marriage happened abroad and who want a German certificate. See what the entry involves and where to ask.

52 offices · 39 cities

Register or transfer a vehicle in Germany

For anyone who bought, imported or took over a car. See what registering or transferring it involves and which office handles it.

51 offices · 37 cities

Fingerprints and residence card pick-up in Germany

For people who have applied for a residence permit and now need to give fingerprints and a photo or collect the finished card. See how it works and which office to contact.

49 offices · 38 cities

Jobseeker registration for employees in Germany

For employees whose contract is ending and anyone who wants job-search support. See how the registration works and which employment agency to contact.

48 offices · 38 cities

Unemployment benefit after job loss in Germany

For employees who lose their job and have paid into unemployment insurance. See how registering and applying work and which agency handles your claim.

48 offices · 38 cities

Joining a health insurance fund in Germany

For employees, students and newcomers who need cover. See how joining a statutory health fund works and which branches can help you sign up.

42 offices · 37 cities

Swap a foreign licence for a German one

For newcomers who drive on a licence from another country. See when the exchange is needed and which driving licence office takes it.

41 offices · 36 cities

Tax ID for people living outside Germany

For anyone who works or has income in Germany without a German address. See how the tax identification number is issued and which tax office to approach.

21 offices · 5 cities

Official tax certificates in Germany

For anyone who needs written proof of their tax residence, tax standing or city debts. See which certificate fits and which office issues it.

16 offices · 15 cities

Social security number and registration in Germany

For anyone starting work or needing proof of their number. See how the number is issued, what the proof document is and where to ask for advice.

15 offices · 15 cities

Cities

Offices in each city

Choose your city to see its offices and how to arrange a visit.

Browse offices by city

Guides

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Work Permits in Germany

What to compare before you choose and apply for permission to work in Germany

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Unemployment Benefits in Germany

What to compare before you check and claim unemployment support in Germany

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University Applications in Germany

What to compare before you apply to university in Germany

A practical Germany guide to direct, uni-assist, VPD, Hochschulstart, Studienkolleg, bachelor, master's, language, document, fee, deadline, and appeal routes.

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What to compare before you prepare and file an income tax return in Germany

A practical German income-tax return guide for employees, couples, students, founders, landlords, investors, people with foreign income, and departure-year filers.

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Tenant Rights in Germany

What to compare before you understand and protect your tenant rights in Germany

A German residential-tenancy rights manual covering repairs, Mietminderung, costs, deposits, rent increases, subletting, privacy, termination, eviction, and legal help.

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Studying in Germany: practical guidance

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Student Work in Germany

What to compare before you work legally while studying in Germany

A practical guide to German student jobs, work-day accounting, Werkstudent status, minijobs, internships, self-employment, pay, and remedies.

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Other countries

Everyday services in other countries

Where to next

Local offices in Germany

Know your city but not the name of the office? See the offices that serve it and what each one handles, from address registration to residence permits.

Offices in Germany

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