Moving to a new apartment in Germany
Moving within Germany is mostly about telling the right people. You re-register at your new address within two weeks, move or cancel contracts, and update your broadcasting fee account.
Before the move
- Home internet · Internetanschluss / DSL-Vertrag (home internet contract) Optional
Moving an internet contract takes time — start early.
- Electricity · Strom anmelden / Stromvertrag (electricity contract) Depends on your situation
Who arranges electricity in a German rental, what Grundversorgung is, how to register with a supplier, read your meter, understand Abschlag and switch or cancel.
After the move
- Anmeldung · Anmeldung (Wohnsitzanmeldung) Mandatory
Moving within Germany is called Ummeldung — same process.
- Wohnungsgeberbestätigung · Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (Einzugsbestätigung) Mandatory
The Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is your landlord's written move-in confirmation, needed for the Anmeldung. What it contains, who signs, and what if they refuse.
- 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.