Registration with local authorities

Every person that resides in Germany for more than three months is required to register. The registration has to take place within two weeks of entering Germany or moving in Germany at the Citizens' Office (Bürgerbüro) in your city of residence. To be able to "check-in" in Town Hall, you need a passport or equivalent document and a “Wohnungsgeberbestätigung” - a signed affirmation of your landlord/lady. Sometimes the office might also ask to see your rental contract. Further documents you might need: for children, you'll need an original birth certificate with a certified German translation and married couples will need their  original marriage certificate with certified German translation. If you live in Bochum, you can make appointments with the Bürgerbüro.

Remember: Whenever you change your address, you have to inform the Bürgerbüro in person. When you have registered, you will receive a confirmation that you have registered. Please keep the registration document, as you will need it! At the end of your stay you must deregister if you are leaving Germany (Abmeldung) - at the earliest one week before your departure.