Registering at the City Administration Office
In Germany, all persons who rent an accommodation, as well as all persons who will be residing in Germany for more than three months are obligated to register their address. Within two weeks after your arrival in Cottbus or Senftenberg, you and your family members must register your address at the City Administration Office (Stadtbüro). Due to the fact that religious communities in Germany are allowed to collect church taxes from the authorities, upon registration, you could be asked for your religious affiliation. After registering your address, you will receive directly an official proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung), which is needed to open a bank account.
To register, you will need:
- Your confirmation by your landlord (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
- Your passport or ID
- Click here and choose „Stadtbüro allgemein / Beantragung Ausweise und Reisepässe – Erdgeschoss“
- Choose number 1 in the field „Stadtbüro“ and click on „Weiter“
- Click on „Stadtbüro auswählen“ and choose a day and time
- Click on „Ja“, add your personal details, accept the data policy und click on „Reservieren“
- You will then automatically receive an e-mail with a confirmation link (Bestätigungs-Link) that you must click on within an hour to book the appointment
Hint: Often Monday and Thursday mornings (approx. 8-9 a.m.) prompt appointments are available online for booking.
Moving
If you decide to change residences within Cottbus or Senftenberg, please remember that you must notify the City Administration Office of your new address within two weeks of moving. For this appointment, you must also make sure to bring your passport/ ID and new confirmation by your landlord.