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Registering your address in Aachen: Deadlines, documents, appointment
Have you moved to Aachen or within the city? Then you need to register your new address – within two weeks. This guide shows you which documents you need, how to book an appointment, what the landlord's confirmation of occupancy is all about, and which mistakes you absolutely must avoid. You'll also find out when second home tax may be due and what the broadcasting fee has to do with it.
- After moving within Aachen or to the city, you have exactly two weeks to register your new address – otherwise, you risk a fine.
- You absolutely need a landlord's confirmation of occupancy from your landlord – nothing will happen without this document.
- Since April 2025, you can also complete your registration and re-registration in Aachen entirely online – an in-person appointment is optional.
- As a student with a primary and secondary residence, you must check whether second home tax is due in Aachen – and whether an exemption is possible.
- You must independently re-register or newly register for the broadcasting fee after moving – the Bürgeramt (Citizen's Office) will not do this for you.
Why the two-week deadline is truly serious
The Federal Registration Act is clear on this: According to § 17, you must register within two weeks of moving in [1][7]. This applies to moves from outside the city as well as moves within Aachen. For example, if you move from Aachen-Mitte to Aachen-West, it's technically a re-registration – but the two-week deadline remains the same [2].
Anyone who misses the deadline risks a fine. The exact amount depends on the individual case but can be quite substantial. Especially at the start of the semester, you'll have enough on your plate anyway – so it's best to take care of it in the first week after moving in, while you still have the energy.
A quick note on terminology: "Ummelden" (re-registration) refers to changing your residence within the city limits. If you move to Aachen from another city, it's technically an "Anmeldung" (initial registration). However, for you as a user, the process is practically identical – you go to the Bürgeramt (Citizen's Office) or use the online service and provide your new address [1][2].
Which documents do you need?
Before you appear at the Bürgeramt (Citizen's Office) or fill out the online form, you should have all your documents ready. The most common reason for a failed re-registration: the landlord's confirmation of occupancy is missing. According to § 19 of the Federal Registration Act, your landlord is legally obliged to issue this document to you [8]. Without it, you cannot register your new address – Period.
Here is the complete checklist:
DocumentRequired?NoteID card or passportYesMust be validLandlord confirmationYesFrom the landlord, with signature and date [8]Registration form (completed)YesAvailable online or on-site [1][2]Certificate of enrollmentNoOnly relevant for second home tax exemption applicationCompleted exemption application (second home tax)NoIf you maintain your primary residence elsewhere [6]The landlord confirmation is not a lengthy contract, but a straightforward form: name and address of the landlord, your new address, your name, and the move-in date. The City of Aachen provides sample forms [2]. If your landlord refuses the document or takes forever to provide it, contact the registration office directly – they are familiar with this exact situation and have solutions ready. You can find more information in the article Landlord Confirmation Explained: Registering Despite Subletting.
How does online registration work in Aachen?
Since April 2025, the City of Aachen has offered electronic residence registration (eWA) – meaning you can complete both initial registration and re-registration entirely digitally, without visiting the citizen's office [3][4]. Especially in the middle of exam season or shortly after arriving, this is a real advantage.
For the online version, you will need an identification document with an activated online ID function (eID), as well as the corresponding app or a card reader. [3]. You submit the landlord's confirmation digitally – a photo or scan is usually sufficient. You can find the City of Aachen's service portal under the keyword "Electronic Residence Registration" [3].
No eID or prefer to go in person? Then book an appointment at the Aachen Citizens' Office via the service portal [1][2]. While it's possible to just show up without an appointment, this often means long waiting times – especially at the start of the semester in October, the Citizens' Office is very busy. So, it pays to be early.
You can find a detailed step-by-step guide for an in-person visit in the article Aachen Citizens' Office: Registering Your Residence – Step by Step.
Primary or Secondary Residence? What You Need to Know as a Student
Many students move to Aachen for their studies but keep their old primary residence with their parents. This is generally possible – but not automatically free of charge. Aachen levies a secondary residence tax based on the annual gross rent [6]. If Aachen is your secondary residence, you may incur costs.
As a student, however, you can apply for an exemption from the secondary residence tax – specifically, if you are single and your studies are the primary reason for the second residence. In this case, Aachen is considered a "professionally necessitated secondary residence," and you are exempt from the tax [6]. You submit the application directly to the Residents' Registration Office – bring your certificate of enrollment.
Alternatively, you can completely relocate your primary residence to Aachen. The advantages: no hassle with secondary residence tax, the BAföG housing allowance may apply more favorably in some cases, and you can vote in Aachen. The disadvantage: For child benefits or certain local perks, your primary residence there might be relevant. It's best to clarify this briefly with your parents or the BAföG office. The article explains everything about BAföG and housing costs BAföG in Aachen: Office, Application & Housing Allowance Explained.
For students in Aachen-West – for example, in the Campus-West Quarter – it's also worth considering the location's advantages: Those who have their primary residence directly there benefit from short distances to RWTH and the university campus. [5].
What else happens after changing your address?
Unfortunately, simply changing your address at the citizen's office isn't enough. There are a few other places you need to inform about your new address – and surprisingly many people forget one of them.
The broadcasting fee is tied to the individual and the residence. After a move, you must report your new address to the Beitragsservice yourself [9]. You can do this quickly online at rundfunkbeitrag.de. If you move into a shared apartment where someone is already paying, or if you were previously registered in a shared apartment, clarify beforehand whether you are still independently liable for the fee or can get an exemption [9].
In addition, you should inform the following entities:
- Your bank (account, credit card)
- The university or student administration office
- The BAföG office, if you are receiving BAföG
- Your health insurance
- Any employers (part-time job, working student position)
- Subscriptions, online shops, delivery services
Also: If you have a car, you must also update the vehicle registration with the new address – and, if applicable, register in the new parking zone. Everything about Parking Zones in Aachen you can find in a separate article.
Registering upon moving into a furnished apartment: What are the rules?
Especially with furnished apartments, many students wonder: Will I even get a landlord confirmation there? The answer is clear: Yes. Even for furnished or temporary housing, the landlord is legally obliged to issue the confirmation [8] – regardless of whether it's a short-term or long-term rental.
Der Gute Hirte, for example, offers 71 furnished apartments in Aachen-West – in a listed Neo-Gothic monastery from 1886, which was renovated between 2018 and 2021. The apartments have living areas between 19 and 114 m² and are fully furnished depending on the type. Those who move in there will, of course, receive all necessary documents for registration – including the landlord confirmation.
A practical advantage of all-inclusive rents (like those offered by Der Gute Hirte) when registering: You have a clearly defined contract address and a professional landlord who is familiar with the form and issues it quickly. This is a real difference compared to some private shared apartment landlords who have never heard of the landlord confirmation. You can find the current prices for the apartments directly on the apartment page.
For those still looking: An overview of furnished housing options in Aachen can be found in the article Rent a furnished apartment in Aachen.
Common Mistakes – and how to avoid them
The Aachen Citizens' Office knows from experience a handful of mistakes that students repeatedly make. Here are the most important ones – so you don't fall into the same trap.
Mistake 1: Waiting too long. The two-week deadline begins on the day you move in – not with the handover of keys or the start of the rental agreement. If you move in on October 1st, the deadline ends on October 15th [7].
Mistake 2: Forgetting the landlord confirmation. Sounds simple, but it happens all the time. It's best to ask your landlord before moving in if they are familiar with the form – and ask them to bring it on the handover day or issue it immediately afterwards.
Mistake 3: Confusing registration with de-registration. You only need to deregister if you leave Germany or move to a city without a new residence. If you move within Germany, simply register at your new address – your old registration will be automatically cancelled. [7].
Mistake 4: Forgetting the broadcasting fee. This happens quickly and often only becomes apparent when mail from ARD arrives. [9]. Update directly with the contribution service after re-registration.
Mistake 5: Ignoring the second home tax. If you keep your old residence and don't apply for an exemption, the city of Aachen can send tax notices retroactively. [6]. Better to ask briefly than to be unpleasantly surprised.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to re-register in Aachen?
You have two weeks, calculated from the day you move in. This is stipulated by § 17 of the Federal Registration Act. [7]. The deadline applies to both moves from outside and moves within Aachen. If you miss it, you risk a fine – so it's best to take care of it directly in the first week after moving in.
Can I also complete the re-registration in Aachen online?
Yes, since April 2025, the city of Aachen has been offering electronic residence registration (eWA). [3][4]. For this, you need an identification document with an activated online ID function (eID). You submit the landlord's confirmation as a scan or photo. If you don't have an eID or prefer to go in person, book an appointment via the city's service portal [2].
Do I have to pay second home tax in Aachen as a student?
Not necessarily. As a single student, you can apply for an exemption if you maintain your primary residence outside Aachen and your Aachen residence is study-related [6]. You submit the application to the Citizens' Office – bring your certificate of enrollment. Without an application, however, the tax can be assessed retroactively, so don't forget.
What is the landlord's confirmation and where do I get it?
The landlord's confirmation is a mandatory document that your landlord must issue according to § 19 of the Federal Registration Act [8]. It confirms that you have actually moved into the specified apartment – with the date, address, and landlord's signature. A sample form is available at the Aachen Citizens' Office. Without this document, registration or re-registration is not possible.
Do I also have to re-register for the broadcasting fee after moving?
Yes, you have to do that yourself – the Citizens' Office does not automatically inform the Contribution Service [9]. Re-registration is quick and easy online via rundfunkbeitrag.de. If you move into a shared apartment (WG) where someone is already paying, you may be able to get an exemption – you can check this directly on the Contribution Service website [9].
View apartments at Guten Hirten
Sources
- City of Aachen Service Portal – Residence: Registration
- City of Aachen Service Portal – Residence: Change of Address
- City of Aachen Service Portal – Electronic Residence Registration (eWA)
- City of Aachen – Registering and Changing Your Address: Now Available Online
- City of Aachen – Studying in Aachen
- City of Aachen – Second Home Tax Ordinance
- Federal Registration Act § 17 – Registration, Deregistration
- Federal Registration Act § 19 – Landlord's Cooperation
- Broadcasting Fee – Register Residence
