Cologne (Köln)'s Bürgeramt has its own booking flow and quirks. Appointment-only since 2021. Some Stadtteil offices have faster slots than the central one. Pick your nationality and housing below to get the exact list.
Within 14 days of move-in (§17 BMG)
Fine €5–1,000 if missed (varies by Bundesland)
Book at: Cologne (Köln) Bürgeramt
Open bookingAppointment-only since 2021. Some Stadtteil offices have faster slots than the central one.
Bring these (3 required)
EU national IDs are accepted across Germany. Bring the physical card, not just a photo.
Your landlord must provide it within 14 days of your move-in. Template: search "Wohnungsgeberbestätigung PDF Muster".
Download from your city's Bürgeramt website. Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg have English versions.
Not mandatory by law — the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung is the legal proof. Bring it anyway in case the clerk asks.
The path
Book an appointment at the Cologne (Köln) Bürgeramt (link below). Slots often book 2-4 weeks out — book the day you have a move-in date.
Collect every document on the checklist. Physical copies — the Bürgeramt does not accept phones or PDFs.
Attend your appointment. Bring a pen. The clerk fills out the rest, then hands you the Anmeldebestätigung — keep this forever, you will need it for banking, phone contracts, and the Aufenthaltstitel.
Mistakes seen most often
Keep the deadlines in one place.
Create an account and Clario adds your 14-day Anmeldung deadline to your calendar, reminds you before it runs out and lines up the Aufenthaltstitel appointment once you upload the Anmeldebestätigung.
Create an accountThe rules cover Germany-wide essentials plus notes for the cities listed. Each Bürgeramt decides itself what else it asks for. Orientation only, not legal advice: when in doubt, check your city's Bürgeramt page or ask a Migrationsberatung.
The checklist is built in your browser. For deadline reminders, a shared calendar entry and the Aufenthaltstitel follow-up, create an account.
Moving to a different city? Back to the city picker or jump to another city below.
Passport or ID, the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung and the form, adjusted to your situation.
The booking page of your city and a note on how its appointments work.
What to book, what to bring and what you receive at the end.
Who has to sign the landlord confirmation in your housing situation.
Cases that need attention first, such as hotel or Airbnb addresses or the Aufenthaltstitel for non-EU citizens.
The mistakes people make most often and how to avoid them.
Showing up without the right documents can mean another appointment. Create an account to keep the Anmeldung deadline and your documents in one place.