Leaving Germany: what to cancel and deregister
Leaving properly saves you from bills following you abroad. Deregister your address, cancel contracts in time, sort your last tax year and — if you are not from the EU — check whether you can get pension contributions refunded.
Before you leave
- Leaving Germany · Wegzug ins Ausland Mandatory
Leaving Germany for good: Abmeldung, cancelling your flat and contracts, the broadcasting fee, health insurance, bank, final tax return, pension and your permit.
- Abmeldung · Abmeldung (Wohnsitzabmeldung) Depends on your situation
Leaving Germany? You must deregister your address within two weeks of moving out. Not needed when moving within Germany. Deadline, how, and why the certificate matters.
- Rundfunkbeitrag (GEZ) · Rundfunkbeitrag (formerly GEZ-Gebühr) Mandatory
Every household in Germany pays the Rundfunkbeitrag broadcasting fee: one fee per flat, not per person. Amount, registration, flat shares, exemptions, leaving.
After you leave
- Tax return · Einkommensteuererklärung (Steuererklärung) Depends on your situation
When a German tax return is mandatory or voluntary, 2026 deadlines, how to file in ELSTER, and common deductions for newcomers like moving costs and home office.
- Pension refund · Beitragserstattung Optional
Usually only for non-EU citizens, after a waiting period.