Moving In: Registration (Anmeldung) and Utility Contracts

Congratulations, you are now a homeowner! But in Germany, owning a house doesn't automatically register you there. The bureaucracy continues after the handover. Timing is everything to ensure a smooth transition from tenant to owner without unnecessary costs.

1. The 2-Week Rule (Bürgeramt)

By law, you must register your new address (Ummeldung) at the local Citizens' Office (Bürgeramt) within 14 days of moving in. Since you are the owner, you don't need a landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung) from someone else; you sign it yourself or provide the land registry extract.

2. Electricity and Internet

Don't forget to inform the local electricity provider with the meter reading from the handover protocol immediately. Otherwise, you fall into the expensive 'Grundversorgung' tariff. Also, internet relocation can take weeks in Germany—apply for the transfer at least 1 month before the move.