Deutschland Kompass
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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.

Personalise route

Are you moving from another address within Germany?

Do you have a car?

Do you have a dog?

Do you have children?

  1. 1

    STEP

    KΓΌndigung: Terminating Your Lease

    Give your landlord 3 months' written notice β€” 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 β€” 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

    AdressΓ€nderung: 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 β€” otherwise payments will stop when letters can't be delivered.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

All possible documents for this route