Abmeldung: how to deregister your address when leaving Germany

Who needs it

Depends on your situation. The rule is § 17(2) of the Federal Registration Act (BMG).

You must deregister if you move out of a home and do not move into a new home in Germany. Typical cases:

• you move abroad for good or for a long time;
• you give up a secondary home (Nebenwohnung) in Germany;
• you no longer have any fixed home in Germany.

You do not deregister when you move within Germany. You just register at your new address (see Anmeldung), and the old address is closed automatically.

When

• At the earliest one week before you move out.
• At the latest two weeks after you move out.

The register is updated to your actual move-out date, whenever you file. Missing the deadline is an administrative offence with a maximum fine of up to €1,000.

What you need

• A copy of your passport or ID card (or the original, if you go in person)
• The Abmeldung form (Abmeldung bei der Meldebehörde) from your city's website, filled in and signed
• Your new address abroad, if you have one (optional, but useful)
• Depends: a power of attorney (Vollmacht) if someone else does it for you

Spouses, partners and children leaving the same home can usually use one form. Unrelated flatmates each fill in their own.

How to do it

1. Check how your city accepts it. Unlike the Anmeldung, many offices accept the Abmeldung by post or through an online service, especially for moves abroad. Others ask you to come in. Your city's website explains the options.
2. Fill in the form. Give your move-out date, the address you are leaving, and your new address abroad (or the country).
3. Send or submit it within the time window. Keep a copy and proof that you sent it.
4. Receive your Abmeldebescheinigung (deregistration confirmation). If you go in person, you may get it right away. By post, it is mailed to you. In Munich, for example, processing by post takes about three to four weeks.

What happens afterwards

The Abmeldebescheinigung is your proof that you have left. You will need it more often than you think:

• Broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag): deregistering at the city does not automatically end your fee. Deregister your flat with the Beitragsservice and attach the certificate as proof. Payment only stops at the end of the month in which you tell them, and not before you move out. See Rundfunkbeitrag.
• Health insurance: your insurer needs to know you are leaving. They may ask for proof such as the Abmeldebescheinigung. Ending cover too early or too late can cause gaps or unexpected bills.
• Tax: the tax office decides whether you are still taxable in Germany based on whether you actually keep a home here, not only on your registration. Deregistering does not end your tax duties for the year you leave. Your last year may still need a tax return. The certificate is useful evidence of when you left.
• Other contracts: if you cancel mobile, internet or utility contracts because you are moving abroad, providers may ask for the certificate. Check each contract's notice terms early.
• Pension refund: non-EU citizens applying for a pension refund later may need to show when they left.

See the full checklist in leaving Germany.

Common problems

I moved to another German city. Do I need an Abmeldung?

No. Register at your new address within two weeks. Your old registration ends automatically.

I already left Germany and forgot to deregister. What now?

Deregister as soon as possible, by post or online if your former city allows it. Explain your actual move-out date. The register is updated to that date, but the deadline has passed, so a fine is possible. Remember to also tell the Beitragsservice.

Can I deregister before I move out?

Only up to one week before the move-out date. Earlier is not accepted.

I lost my Abmeldebescheinigung. Can I get another one?

Ask your former registration office for a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) showing your move-out. Some cities issue electronic certificates free of charge and charge a small fee for paper copies.

I am keeping my German flat while I work abroad for a year. Do I deregister?

Usually not. If you keep the flat as your home, you stay registered there. Tax and insurance consequences depend on your situation, so check with your insurer and tax office.

Costs

Deregistering is free. A later replacement certificate may cost a small fee, depending on your city.