If you’ve just moved to Aachen, one of the first and most important administrative steps is the Anmeldung, registering your address with the city. This applies to students, expats, researchers, families, basically everyone who plans to live in Aachen.
This guide explains why it matters, who must register, and exactly how to do it in Aachen.
In Germany, registering your address is a legal requirement. In Aachen, you must register within 14 days of moving in.
Without Anmeldung, everyday life becomes difficult.
You need it to:
After your first registration in Germany, your tax ID will be sent by post within a few weeks.
Your employer needs it to calculate your salary correctly. Without it, you may temporarily pay higher taxes.
You may need your registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung) to:
The Ausländerbehörde in Aachen requires proof of registration for many visa and residence processes.
You must register if:
You do not need to register if:
Unlike some cities, Aachen generally requires in-person registration at the Bürger*innenbüro.
In rare cases (e.g., moving from one German address to another and meeting digital ID requirements), partial online processes may be available, but most expats and first-time residents must attend in person.
Always check the official Stadt Aachen Serviceportal for updates.
Aachen offers Elektronische Wohnsitzanmeldung (eWA), meaning you can register completely online without an appointment, if you meet the requirements.
You can download a summary of your application.
Once the city verifies your data:
After updating your ID digitally:
If you don’t qualify for online registration (for example, you moved from outside Germany), you must visit the Bürger*innenbüro in Aachen.
You need an appointment at Aachen’s Bürger*innenbüro (citizens’ office). Appointments can be booked online via the city’s Serviceportal.
Tips:
Bring the following:
This is a confirmation form signed by your landlord (or main tenant in a WG).
Without it, you cannot register.
Complete and print the registration form in advance if possible.
EU citizens can use their national ID card. Non-EU citizens must bring their passport.
If you already have one, bring it so your address can be updated.
If your documents are not in German, certified translations may be required (English documents are often accepted, but not guaranteed).
On the day:
The process is straightforward and usually takes 5–15 minutes.
You will receive:
Check all details carefully before leaving; mistakes happen.
If this is your first registration in Germany, your tax ID will arrive by post within 2–5 weeks.
If it does not arrive after 6 weeks, contact the tax office.
If your name is not on the mailbox, you may not receive:
If you live with someone and your name isn’t on the mailbox, register using:
Your Name
c/o Name on Mailbox
Street Name + Number
52062 Aachen
During Anmeldung, you must declare your religion.
If you register as a member of certain churches, you will automatically pay church tax (8–9% of your income tax).
If you were baptized in your home country, the German system may automatically assume membership unless formally declared otherwise.
If you own a car registered at a previous German address, you must update the vehicle registration. A small fee applies.
Some temporary accommodations (e.g., certain Airbnbs or hotels) do not allow registration.
Legally:
Always confirm “Anmeldung möglich?” before signing a lease.
You only need to deregister (Abmeldung) when:
If you move within Germany (e.g., Cologne → Aachen), your previous address is automatically deregistered.
Not necessarily, but it helps.
Some Bürger*innenbüro staff speak English, others do not.
If you’re unsure, bring:
Registering your address is free of charge.
You may need to pay small fees if:
Payment methods may be limited (often Girocard).
After registering:
Ensure your electricity and internet contracts are active.
Disclaimer:
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