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Understanding the registration certificate (Melde­bescheinigung)

Last updated: October 2026

Many offices, schools and companies want to see a registration certificate (Melde­bescheinigung). It proves where you officially live. You get it at the residents' registration office (Einwohner­meldeamt).

Sample letter

Stadt Musterstadt · Bürgeramt · Einwoh­ner­mel­deamt · 12345 Musterstadt
Frau Aylin Beispiel
Lindenweg 3
12345 Musterstadt
Musterstadt, 6. Oktober 2026Geschäftszeichen: EMA‑2026-31415

Melde­bescheinigung nach § 18 Bundesmelde­gesetz

Frau Aylin Beispiel, geboren am 12. Mai 1990, ist seit dem 1. Oktober 2026 in Musterstadt, Lindenweg 3, 12345 Musterstadt, mit alleiniger Wohnung gemeldet.

Familienstand: ledig. Staatsangehörigkeit: deutsch.

Diese Bescheinigung wird nur für den Empfänger ausgestellt, der sie angefordert hat. Sie ist ohne Unterschrift gültig.

Gebühr: 10,00 Euro.

Made‑up sender, made‑up names. The letter often looks like this or similar.

What does the letter mean?

The registration certificate is a confirmation from the city that you live at a certain address. It is not a notice and asks nothing of you. You often need it for applications, for example for child benefit, housing benefit, a training place or daycare.

There is a simple and an extended certificate. The extended one also states details such as marital status and earlier addresses. Ask which one the office really needs.

The certificate counts as confirmation for the day it was issued. Many offices only accept it if it is not older than about three months.

Deadlines

  • Re‑registration after moving: within two weeks after moving in. For this you usually need the landlord’s confirmation of residence (Wohnungsgeber­bescheinigung).
  • Anyone who misses the deadline risks a fine. It is better to register early.
  • How long the certificate is valid is decided by the office that asks for it. Ask there.

What you can do

  1. Ask the office that wants the certificate whether a simple or an extended one is meant.
  2. Apply for it at the citizens' office (Bürgeramt) or, if your city offers it, online. Bring your ID card or passport.
  3. Check the details: name, date of birth, address and move‑in date must be correct. Have mistakes corrected immediately.
  4. After moving: re‑register within two weeks and get the certificate at the same time.
  5. Keep a copy. You need it more often than you think.

How Letter Explained helps you

The app explains in your language what the certificate proves and what it is needed for, and reminds you of the deadline for re‑registration after a move.

More about the app

This guide does not replace legal advice. Every letter is different: deadlines and amounts apply as they are written in your letter. If you have questions, an advice centre can help.

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