How to Deregister in Berlin

If you’re leaving Berlin, whether you’re moving to a new city in Germany or another country, you must deregister your residence to avoid possible bureaucratic issues. This process is called “Abmeldung” in German and it’s required by law.

This guide will show you how to deregister from Berlin. We’ll explain who needs to do it, why it’s important, and what happens after you deregister. We’ll also give you the addresses of the main registry offices in Berlin where you can do this.

Who Needs to Deregister?

Let’s begin with the fact that deregistering is required for everyone who has officially registered their residence in Berlin and is now planning to leave the city permanently. 

However, if you do plan to come back to the same address in Germany in the future, you don’t need to do the Abmeldung because you are leaving Berlin only temporarily. 

Why Is It Important to Deregister?

Deregistering isn’t just a formality. If you don’t do it, you may face problems after leaving Germany. The main goal of the deregistering process is to receive the deregistration certificate (Abmeldebescheinigung) that you will need to use as proof that you are actually leaving the city or country. 

Here are reasons why it is crucial to deregister:

1. Avoiding Legal Complications  

When you leave Berlin without deregistering, the city still considers you a permanent resident. That means you still have to pay Berlin taxes, and fees ( like the public broadcasting fee), and if you don’t – you will be fined. So to make sure you won’t be charged for these services, obligations, and fines you have to deregister. 

2. Closing Contracts and Agreements  

Many contracts in Germany, like electricity, phone, and Internet providers need proof that you’ve canceled your registration. This way you can terminate the contracts and agreements without extra charges or fines. For instance, your electricity supplier will ask for a copy of your Abmeldebescheinigung to officially close your account. If you don’t provide it, you will still receive the electricity bills.

3. Taxation Issues  

When you deregister, you let the local tax authorities know that you’re no longer living in Germany and don’t have to pay taxes anymore. If you don’t deregister, you will still have to pay taxes there, even if you’ve already moved to another country.

4. Public Broadcasting Fee (Rundfunkbeitrag)  

Every household in Germany must pay a public broadcasting fee called the Rundfunkbeitrag even if they don’t use it. Deregistering your residence from this fee makes sure you will no longer be charged this fee. If you forget to deregister, you will continue to pay for services that you don’t use anymore.

5. Health Insurance and Social Security  

Just like with any other services and obligations, if you want to cancel the contract with your German health insurance, you will need to provide your deregistration certificate (Abmeldebescheinigung). Without it, you won’t be able to terminate the contract and will continue paying fees to the insurance company.  

How to Deregister?

Deregistering in Berlin is easy, but make sure you follow all the steps to avoid delays or issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Timing: When to Deregister?  

You can submit your filled Abmeldung form up to 7 days before your move out date. But if for some reason you can’t do it before moving out, then you will still have a maximum of 2 weeks (14 days) after leaving Berlin. However, to make sure everything is sorted out and no other issues arise, it’s best to start the deregistration process when you are still in Germany. 

2. Methods of Deregistration  

There are three ways to deregister from Berlin, making it convenient for different situations:

•  In-Person at Bürgeramt

The most direct way is to deregister in person. You’ll need to schedule an appointment to visit your local registration office (Bürgeramt). You will be asked to fill out a deregistration form (Abmeldung form). That’s why it is important to bring your passport or valid ID. A staff member will process your completed deregistration form and you will receive a confirmation of deregistration Abmeldebescheinigung. Typically the whole appointment lasts 10 minutes.

•  By Mail

If you can’t visit the Bürgeramt in person, you can send your signed deregistration form (Abmeldeformular) by registered mail to a registration office (Bürgeramt) in Berlin. Also, make sure to include a copy of your passport or ID along with the form.

•  Online (for some districts)

Not all bürgeramt locations let you deregister online. Check their website to see if they offer this. You’ll need to write an email to the Bürgeramt office where you were registered and upload a scanned copy of your ID or passport and the completed form (Abmeldeformular). 

3. Documents Required  

Whichever option you choose, you’ll need the same list of necessary documents:

• Completed Abmeldeformular

You can get this form online from the Berlin city website or pick it up at your local Bürgeramt. It needs basic info like your name, German address, and when you’re leaving.

• Passport or valid ID 

A valid form of identification is required, whether you’re deregistering in person or by mail or e-mail. If you deregister several people you have to bring their passports as well or Personalausweis.

• Proof of departure

In some cases, you may need to show proof that you’re leaving Berlin. This could be a flight ticket or a new rental agreement with your new address abroad in another country.

4. Receiving the Confirmation of Deregistration  

Once you have completed all the steps of deregistration, you will get an Abmeldebestätigung (proof of deregistration). With its help, you can now cancel all contracts and agreements. Keep this document safe because you may need it for other administrative matters in Germany or other countries.

What Happens After Deregistration?

Once you’ve successfully deregistered, a few key things will happen:

1. You Are No Longer a Resident  

When you deregister, your name will be taken out of Berlin’s population registry. This means you are no longer considered a resident. You won’t have to pay taxes or other things like ‌the broadcasting fee anymore at your old address.

2. Impact on Residency Permits  

If you had a residency permit in Germany, deregistering might affect your residency status. Deregistering doesn’t necessarily mean you lose your residence permit immediately. Usually, it may still be valid for up to six months after you leave Germany and deregister. But you can apply to Ausländerbehörde to extend it. Because every case is different it is better to talk to an immigration expert to make sure everything is alright, especially if you plan to come back to Germany or renew your visa in the future.

3. Canceling Contracts and Subscriptions  

You can now use your Abmeldebestätigung to terminate agreements with utility providers, internet services, and mobile phone companies. Many of these companies will need a copy of this document to process your cancellation requests.

4. Tax Filing Obligations and bank account

If you worked in Berlin during the year you left, you might still need to file taxes. This applies to money you made while living in Germany that year. It’s best to check with a tax advisor or the local tax office to make sure.

Even after you deregister, you can still keep your German bank account. But if the bank tries to contact you by mail and the letter can’t be delivered, the bank may freeze your account.

5. Pension Contributions  

If you’ve been paying pension contributions while you were living in Germany, you need to deregister to let the authorities know you are leaving Germany. This will stop your contributions and update your account. In some cases, you might get a refund for your contributions, especially if you’re going back to a country outside the EU.

registration office