Official Registration

Every newcomer to Tuebingen – German and foreign citizens alike – who will remain for more than 90 days must register their place of residence with the local authorities within two weeks of moving in. This registration is the prerequisite for all further administrative steps of life in Germany.

Foreign citizens requiring a residence permit must first officially register as residents of the city where they live and then apply for the residence permit afterwards.  The office where you register will also deal with your residence permit application (see also Visa and Residence Permit).

Please note: You can make an appointment to register at Tuebingen’s Citizens’ office (Bürgeramt) by calling + 49 (0)7071 204 2020 or using the online tool https://tempus-termine.com/termine/index.php?anlagennr=107 (only available in German). Please make sure to make an appointment well in advance. It can take up to two weeks to get an appointment. Newly available appointments will be released in the mornings. Also, you can make an appointment to register in one of the outlying districts (Teilorte) or suburbs such as Hirschau, Derendingen or Lustnau.

You will receive an official notification of your registration. Only with this official registration (Wohnsitz-Anmeldung) you can open a bank account, register with gas, water and electricity suppliers, become eligible to receive local council services, and will be informed of elections in which you are eligible to vote. Registration is also necessary to receive your German tax ID number: It will be issued automatically following your registration.

The registration form asks - on a voluntary basis - about your religious affiliation. If you declare membership of one certain religious denomination in Germany, the tax office will automatically deduct church tax (Kirchensteuer) from your income (current rate: 8% of your income tax), to pass on to your denomination. For further information, see Practical Advice - Religion, or ask the citizens' office staff for help.

After registering, be sure to keep the carbon copy of your registration (Meldebestätigung). This is an important document that you will need for other occasions.  If you change addresses, be sure to notify the Bürgeramt as well as arranging to have your mail forwarded, so important information such as tax numbers will reach you.

Failure to officially register within the 2 week deadline can result in a fine.

If you plan to live in guesthouse or other temporary accommodation for the first few weeks of your stay, you should register using the current address. See your personal support staff for institute-specific procedures and support.

Where do I go for the official registration?

Residents of Tuebingen register at the Citizens' office of Tuebingen (Bürgerbüro Stadtmitte), Schmiedtorstraße 4, 72070 Tuebingen.  Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 7:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; Tues 7:30 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.; Thurs 7:30 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Times for telephone enquiries: Mon – Thurs 8:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m., Fri 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Telephone (07071) 204-2020, Fax (07071) 204-2222, E-Mail buergeramt@tuebingen.de The offices are located in a distinctive black and white, half-timbered 15th century building known as the Fruchtschranne. Registration takes place at the counters in the large front room.  You have to wait outside the building. In your online appointment you will receive a time slot and number which will be called out. Only then you can enter the building. If you register yourself and your family only one person can enter. If you are a resident of a town outside of Tuebingen, please register at your local town hall.

What do I need to take?

To officially register as a Tuebingen resident you will need: Valid passport or equivalent Appointment confirmation including your time slot and number Visa, your date of entry or pre-existing residence permit Your rental contract Confirmation from your landlord/landlady that you have moved in (form "Wohnungsgeberbestätigung", download here) If a spouse, partner or other family members live with you at the same address, you can take along the passports of all family members when going to the citzens' office and register them at the same time. They do not need to be present for registration. There is no fee for official registration.

What if I move or leave Germany?

If you move out of the country or move to a different address, you must notify the local authorities by changing or cancelling your address registration. Please go to the office that dealt with your registration. You will need your passport.