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 2 weeks of moving in. This registration is the prerequisite for all further administrative steps of life in Germany.

Foreign citizens requiring a long-stay residence permit must first officially register as Tuebingen residents 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).

Consequences of this official registration (Wohnsitz-Anmeldung) include: 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 registration.

The registration form asks about your religion. If you declare membership of one certain larger religious denominations 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 municipal office staff for help.

After registering, be sure to keep the carbon copy of your address registration (Meldebestätigung). This is an important document that you will need on 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 is sure to reach you.

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

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

Where do I go for the official registration?

The central municipal offices of Tuebingen (Bürgerbüro Stadtmitte) at Schmiedtorstraße 4, 72070 Tuebingen.  Opening times: Mon, Wed, Fri 7:30 – 12:30; Tues 7:30 – 18:00; Thurs 7:30 – 16:00 Times for telephone enquiries: Mon – Thurs 8:00 – 16:00, Fri 8:00 – 13:00 Telephone (07071) 204-2020, Fax (07071) 204-2222, E-Mail buergerdienste@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. Take a number from the machine near the entrance, and then continue to the seating area behind the central information desk. When it is your turn, your ticket number will appear on an electronic board along with the window number where you should go. German and other EU citizens resident in one of the outlying districts (Teilorte) such as Lustnau, Derendingen and outlying villages have to register at their local town hall or office.

What do I need to take?

To officially register as a Tuebingen resident you will need: Valid passport or equivalent 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 municipal 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.