Only needed when you give up your last home here
If you leave your only home in Germany and do not take another one here, you have to report it to the registration office. Many cities accept this by post or online as well as in person, and you receive a confirmation of your departure. Your health insurer, bank and other providers still need to be told separately.
How it works
Deregister your address when you leave the country for good.
Before you move abroad, you may need to tell the authorities that you are leaving so they can remove you from the population register. This is often possible online, by post or at the town hall, usually shortly before or after you leave. Keep the confirmation: the tax office, your pension fund or your new country may ask for proof of the date you left. Benefits, health insurance and residence permits may need to be cancelled separately.
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At a glance
Some offices accept a written or online notice
You do not always have to come in person. Some offices accept your Abmeldung by post or online, others want you at the counter, and each has its own idea of which form or identification it needs from you.
Guides
Related services
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.
For freelancers, sole traders and new business owners. See how tax registration works, what the Steuernummer is for and which tax office can help.
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.
For students, workers and family members from outside the EU. See which office handles your stay and how applications start.
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.
For anyone who has to show where they live. See what the certificate covers and which office in your city issues it.
Other countries
Moving on, or comparing before you decide? See how this works elsewhere.
Most offices in Warsaw, Kraków, and Lublin
Most offices in The Hague, 's-Hertogenbosch, and Alkmaar
Most offices in Liège, Charleroi, and Tournai
Most offices in L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Terrassa, and Almería
Where to next
Check which registration office in your city takes your departure and how to report it, in person, in writing or online.
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