No Anmeldung Appointment? What to Do in Germany

No Anmeldung Appointment? What to Do in Germany

You have moved in, the two-week clock is running, and every Bürgeramt slot is taken. This is a common problem, especially in big cities. Here are the options that official sources describe. Our examples come from Berlin, whose service portal is the best documented. Other cities work differently, so check your own city's website.

The rule you are up against

Under the Federal Registration Act you must register within two weeks of moving in (§ 17 BMG). Failing to do so can be fined up to €1,000 (§ 54 BMG). ^[1] Registration itself is free of charge. ^[2] See our full Anmeldung guide for the basics.

Seven ways to get registered

1. Book as early as possible, and check often. Berlin's Willkommenszentrum advises booking early and checking several locations. [3]
2. Search citywide. Berlin's booking tool lets you select multiple offices or use the city-wide search instead of one district. [4]
3. Look for slots at different times. New appointments are released at certain times, and early-morning checks are recommended by Berlin's service portal.
4. Register online if you can. Berlin offers online registration without an appointment. You need a BundID account, an ID document with the online function (eID) activated, and your landlord's confirmation. [5] Check whether your ID document qualifies.
5. Keep proof you tried. In Berlin, if you cannot find an appointment within two weeks, an appointment confirmation temporarily suffices. [3] Save screenshots of your searches and bookings.
6. Get your paperwork ready. Have your passport, the registration form and your Wohnungsgeberbestätigung ready so the appointment itself takes about 15 minutes.
7. Ask the office. If nothing works, contact the Bürgeramt directly and explain your situation.

Beware of appointment scams

Berlin's Willkommenszentrum warns that offers to sell appointments are not official and are often scams. Book only through your city's official portal. ^[3]

After you register

Check every detail on your registration certificate (Meldebestätigung) straight away. You will need it for a bank account, a phone contract and health insurance. In Berlin, your tax ID and broadcasting-fee notice arrive by post afterwards. Then continue with our guides to the best bank accounts and health insurance in Germany.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to register?

Within two weeks of moving in (§ 17 BMG).

Is Anmeldung free?

Yes. Berlin's service portal lists no fee for registering your main residence.

What if I really cannot find an appointment?

Keep proof of your attempts, try online registration if you qualify, and contact the Bürgeramt. In Berlin, an appointment confirmation temporarily suffices if you cannot find a slot within two weeks. Other cities may handle it differently.

Can I register online?

In Berlin, yes: you need a BundID account, an eID-enabled ID document and your landlord's confirmation. Availability and requirements differ by city.

Should I pay someone for an appointment?

No. Berlin warns that such offers are unofficial and often scams.

Sources

1. § 54 BMG (Bußgeldvorschriften)
2. Service Berlin: Wohnsitz anmelden
3. Berlin Willkommenszentrum: Residence registration
4. Service Berlin: Online-Terminbuchung
5. Service Berlin: Wohnsitz online anmelden

Details are from Berlin and may differ in your city. This is general information, not legal advice. Last checked September 2026.