Registration in Bremen and in Germany

Everyone who moves into a house or flat in Germany is obliged to register with the local authorities. Within a week of entering the country, you and any family members accompanying you will have to register at the “Einwohnermeldeamt” (Residents’ Registration Office) responsible for the area in which you live.

Form online (in German only)

The Welcome Centre can assist you with filling in this form.

For registration, you need your passport and local address. Please keep the proof of registration (Meldebescheinigung) with your records, you will need it for a library card, for example.

If you move during your stay in Germany, you will need to notify the residents' registration office of your new place of residence. When you leave Germany, you will have to inform them of your departure at least two weeks in advance. 

Before your entry visa runs out you must apply for a residence permit at the local “Ausländerbehörde” (Immigration or Foreigners’ Office) located in Bürgeramt Bremen. If you are a national of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea or the USA and not only entered the country without a visa but intend on staying in Germany for a longer period of time you will also have to apply for a residence permit within three months of entering the country. We recommend you to submit your application as soon as possible. This is even more important after introducing the new electronic residence permit on 01.10.2011. Please ask the Welcome Centre for assistance.

You will usually have to present the following documents to the Immigration Office:

• Completed application for a residence permit (online or available at the Immigration Office)
• Valid passport (please note that it must be valid for the entire duration of the proposed stay)
• Biometric passport photo[PDF] (551 KB)
• Fellowship award letter, employment contract or hosting agreement with the university (stating the amount of the monthly fellowship or salary
   as proof that you can support yourself financially) or any other financial proof
• Proof of health insurance coverage valid in Germany
• For marital partners / children: certified German or English translations of marriage and birth certificates
• “Anmeldebescheinigung” (proof of registration) from the Residents’  Registration Office
• Fees: around 120 euro for the initial permit, around 60 euro for extensions

The application for extending the residence permit is to be found here.

Checklist for applying for a Residence Permit[PDF] (57 KB)

Checklist for applying to extend a Residence Permit[PDF] (58 KB)