Anmeldung in Karlsruhe: how to register your address
The short answer
You are required by law to register your address within two weeks of moving into a flat in Karlsruhe. The so called (*Anmeldung*) is free. If you moved from elsewhere in Germany and your ID card (*Ausweis*) has the online function turned on, you can register the new address online. Everyone else books an appointment at any Karlsruhe Bürgerbüro and brings a passport or ID card, the landlord's confirmation (*Wohnungsgeberbestätigung*) and a signed registration form (*Meldeschein*).
- Deadline
- 2 weeks after moving in
- Cost
- Free
- Book
- karlsruhe.de/terminvereinbarung
or 0721 115 - Main office
- Bürgerbüro Kaiserallee 8, 76133
- Also
- Bürgerbüro Ost, Karlsruher Str. 23, 76139, plus local offices in Durlach, Neureut and other districts
Two ways to register
Online, if you have an eID. If you moved here from elsewhere in Germany and your ID card (Ausweis) has the online function turned on, you can register your new address online for free. The city says processing takes roughly five minutes, and you get a digital confirmation.
In person, for everyone else. Most people arriving from abroad will chose this way. The Government Office (Bürgerbüro) only see you with an appointment, which you book online at karlsruhe.de/terminvereinbarung or through the city’s 0721 115 phone line.
Step by step
- Ask your landlord for a signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.
- Fill in and sign the Meldeschein (the registration form) for every person moving in.
- Book an appointment at any Karlsruhe Bürgerbüro. You don’t have to use the one nearest your flat.
- Bring your passport or ID card, the landlord form and the Meldeschein. If you register someone else, bring a signed power of attorney (Vollmacht).
- Leave with your Meldebestätigung. Keep the original safe and make copies, since banks and employers will ask for it.
Where to go
- Bürgerbüro Kaiserallee 8Kaiserallee 8, 76133 KarlsruheAlso houses the Ausländerbehörde.Has an Expressbereich where some quick matters are handled without an appointment.
- Bürgerbüro OstKarlsruher Str. 23, 76139 Karlsruhe
- Local office DurlachAddress: check karlsruhe.de
- Local office NeureutAddress: check karlsruhe.de
Book an appointment at karlsruhe.de/terminvereinbarung or call 0721 115, the city service line for Bürgerbüro appointments.
Moving within Karlsruhe
A move inside the city is an Ummeldung. The rules are the same: two weeks, landlord form, and online or in person.
Questions and answers
- How long do I have to register my address in Karlsruhe?
- Two weeks after moving in. The same deadline applies when you move within the city (Ummeldung).
- Does the Anmeldung cost anything?
- No. Registering your address is free.
- Do I have to go to the Bürgerbüro nearest my flat?
- No. You can book an appointment at any Karlsruhe Bürgerbüro, not only the one nearest your flat.
- Can I register without an appointment?
- The Bürgerbüros only see you with an appointment. The Kaiserallee 8 building has an Expressbereich for some quick matters without one, but check the city's list before relying on it for an Anmeldung.
- Can someone else register for me?
- Yes, if they bring a signed power of attorney (Vollmacht) along with your documents.
Sources
- Stadt Karlsruhe service portal: Wohnsitz als Hauptwohnsitz anmeldenchecked
- Stadt Karlsruhe service portal: Bürgerbüro Kaiserallee 8checked
- Stadt Karlsruhe service portal: Bürgerbüro Ostchecked
Not legal advice. Opening hours, fees and services change; confirm with the responsible office before you go.