Residence; deregistration

If you move out of your home and do not move into a new home in Germany (e.g. if you move abroad), you must deregister with your registration office.

You can deregister when moving abroad in person, in writing or electronically. When deregistering electronically, the identity of the person required to deregister can be verified by providing their surname, first name, date of birth and the serial number of the identity card or passport most recently recorded in the register of residents. Please also inform the registration authority of your new address and the foreign country.

If you are giving up one of several flats, you must deregister the flat in question in person. You can do this either at the registration office for your sole or main residence, or at the registration office responsible for your secondary residence. To deregister, you must present your identity document, state your moving-out date and confirm that the details listed on the deregistration form are correct and complete. Spouses, civil partners and family members who share the same previous and future addresses may use a single deregistration form; it is sufficient for one of the persons required to register to confirm the form.

If you give up your main or sole residence and move into another property within Germany, it is sufficient to register at your new place of residence (in person or online). The registration office at your new place of residence will inform your former local authority that you have moved.

It is possible to deregister ex officio if you have not fulfilled your obligation to deregister.

If you do not deregister within two weeks, you are committing an offence. In this case, you can be fined up to €1,000.