Deregistering from Munich, Germany when moving abroad

What is deregistration?

Deregistration, commonly called “Abmeldung” in German, is the process of notifying the German authorities that you are moving out of the country. This is a mandatory requirement for all residents who are leaving Germany permanently.

When do you need to deregister?

You must deregister within two weeks of leaving Germany. This can be done either before or after your departure date. However, it is generally recommended to deregister before you leave, so that you can take care of any loose ends before you go.

Where do you deregister?

You can deregister at the local KVR in your city or town. This is the same office where you registered when you first moved to Germany.

What do you need to deregister?

To deregister, you will need to bring the following documents:

• Your passport
• Your completed deregistration form

The deregistration process

1. Download and complete the deregistration form
2. Book an appointment at the same KVR office you are registered. (Book same appointment as registration process)
3. Once you have arrive, you will need to submit your deregistration form and passport to a staff member.
4. The staff member will then process your deregistration and issue you with a confirmation of deregistration (Abmeldebescheinigung).

What to do after deregistration

Once you have deregistered, you will need to cancel any contracts or subscriptions that you have in Germany. This includes things like:

• Insurance
• ARD ZDF (Radio Fee)
• Telecom contracts
• Utility contracts
• Gym memberships
• Newspaper subscriptions
• Library cards

You should also update your address with any banks or other financial institutions that you do business with.

Additional tips

Here are a few additional tips for deregistering from Germany:

• It is generally a good idea to book an appointment at the KVR in advance, especially if you are deregistering during peak hours.
• If you are unable to deregister in person, you can send your deregistration form and passport to the KVR by post. However, you should note that this process may take longer.
• Be sure to keep a copy of your confirmation of deregistration for your records. This may be useful if you need to prove that you have deregistered from Germany at a later date.
• If you are leaving Germany to move abroad, then you are obligated to deregister yourself before you leave.
• In Munich, it is only generally possible to deregister only 7 days before your planned relocation date.