ROUTE

Moving (Umzug)

Personal moving checklist for Germany: notice, Anmeldung, utility transfers, deposit return, and address change. Your personalised route based on car ownership, children, and pets.

1. 1

   STEP

   Kündigung: Terminating Your Lease

   Give your landlord 3 months' written notice — otherwise the contract renews automatically.

2. 2

   STEP

   Internet: Sorting Your Contract When Moving

   Transfer your contract or cancel penalty-free. Moving often triggers a special right of termination.

3. 3

   STEP

   Nachsendeauftrag: Mail Forwarding

   Mail from your old address gets forwarded to the new one. Set it up at least one week before moving.

4. 4

   STEP

   Übergabeprotokoll: Apartment Handover Documentation

   Record the apartment's condition when moving in and out. Without a protocol, disputing deposit deductions is nearly impossible.

5. 5

   STEP

   Electricity (Strom): Setting Up Your Contract

   Photograph the meter reading on move-in day — without it, disputing a previous tenant's debt is nearly impossible.

6. 6

   STEP

   Gas: Setting Up Your Contract

   Only needed if the apartment has gas heating or a gas hob. Check your tenancy agreement first.

7. 7

   STEP

   Anmeldung: Register Your Address

   Mandatory registration within 14 days of moving in. Without it you can't open a bank account or get a Steuer-ID.

8. 8

   STEP

   Mietkaution: The Rental Security Deposit

   Maximum three months' net rent. The landlord must hold it in a separate account and return it within 6 months of moving out.

9. 9

   STEP

   Rundfunkbeitrag: Broadcasting Fee

   Mandatory fee of €18.36/month per household. Register on rundfunkbeitrag.de straight after your Anmeldung.

10. 10

    STEP

    Adressänderung: Updating Your Address

    After the Anmeldung, update your address with your employer, bank, health insurer, and Finanzamt.

11. 11

    STEP

    Kfz-Ummeldung: Re-registering Your Car

    Deadline: 1 week after changing address. Fine up to €500 for missing it. Visit the Zulassungsstelle at your new location.

12. 12

    STEP

    Hundesteuer: Dog Tax After Moving

    Register your dog in the new municipality within 2 weeks of moving. Fine up to €1,000 for non-compliance.

13. 13

    STEP

    Kindergeld: Updating Your Address for Child Benefit

    After moving, notify the Familienkasse of your new address — otherwise payments will stop when letters can't be delivered.