Abmeldung: How to deregister in Germany

If you are planning to leave Germany, you will have to deal with a lot of bureaucratic steps. Good planning is therefore vital. Aside from the essential tasks of terminating your lease and organizing your move, you’ll be faced with a variety of paperwork.

Some of the most important things you’ll need to do include officially deregistering your residence (Abmeldung) and terminating various contracts, such as your health insurance, internet, electricity, gas, and mobile phone contracts. You may also want to set up a mail forwarding order, deregister your vehicle and business, and inform financial institutions like your bank or investment accounts about your move. Please also keep in mind to stop paying the German broadcasting fees (GEZ) and family benefits.

It is equally important to understand the implications of not deregistering. Failing to deregister can result in fines (up to 1.000 €), unwanted tax obligations, or continued payment requirements for services you no longer use. For instance, deregistration is often required to terminate your health insurance and benefit from the special cancellation rights for contracts like phone or internet.

In this blog post, we aim to provide you with a concise overview of the bureaucratic challenges that await you when you leave Germany. We also give you an insight into which documents you should keep in order to apply for your German pension or receive a pension refund. Having important documents like your deregistration certificate on hand can save you frustration and hassle in the future. Furthermore, we’ll touch on online deregistration options and special cases, such as deregistering a secondary residence or business.

When do I have to end my rental contract?

Quick answer: In general, tenants are subject to a statutory notice period of three months, but it can be shorter if specified in the lease agreement. 

The statutory notice period for terminating a lease in Germany is 3 months.

To meet the notice period, the written termination notice must be received by the landlord or landlady by the third working day of the month. Keep in mind that public holidays and weekends do not count as working days. Make sure to include your signature and the intended move-out date in the termination letter.

Termination of a rental agreement without notice is only allowed under exceptional circumstances. Sufficient and valid reasons could include:

• A disproportionate rent increase that violates legal caps or agreements.
• A severe health risk caused by the property (e.g., mold infestation).
• A significant breach of contract by the landlord, such as failing to address essential repairs despite repeated requests.

Additional Tips for Ending Your Rental Contract:

• Document your termination notice: Send your letter via registered mail with a return receipt (Einschreiben mit Rückschein) to prove it was delivered. Alternatively, hand it over in person and get a signed acknowledgment of receipt.
• Schedule an inspection: Agree on a move-out inspection (Wohnungsübergabe) with your landlord to avoid disputes over the condition of the apartment.
• Clear outstanding obligations: Ensure all rent payments are up to date, and provide a forwarding address for the return of your deposit.

Special Situations:

• Shorter Notice Periods: Some leases include clauses for reduced notice periods, particularly for furnished apartments or sublets. Review your lease carefully.
• Relocation for Work or Military Service: If you’re relocating due to job requirements or military service, you might be eligible for an exception under German tenancy law.

Situations Requiring Deregistration:

Why Deregistration Is Important:

Deregistration is a legal requirement under the Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz). Failing to deregister can lead to:

• Fines of up to €1,000 for non-compliance.
• Continued liability for broadcasting fees (GEZ).
• Problems terminating contracts tied to your German address, such as utilities or health insurance.
• Inability to claim tax refunds or apply for a pension refund.

How to deregister your German address

Quick answer: Go to your municipal office with your passport and the deregistration form.

Deregistering in Germany is a bureaucratic process that is required when you move to another country and want to end your legal ties to Germany.

4 Steps to deregister your residence:

If you’re not sure, you can check your registration confirmation to find out which office you need to go to. You can also do an Internet search for “deregistration + the city (+county) where you want to deregister”.

Note: It’s mandatory to use the same signature that you used to sign your passport. Some passports can be valid for a long time, and your signature may have changed over the years. In Germany, your signatures on the form and the ID document must match, or the office may not process your deregistration.

For example, our partner offers a Personal Assistant and a Premium package, both of which are completely digital. If you choose the Premium package, you will have the added benefit of using their online cancellation tool for free, along with the original cancellation certificate sent to your preferred address anywhere in the world.

Of course, you can also deregister in person at a municipal authority in Germany. However, this method can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially if you do not speak German or have already moved. In addition, many offices have few appointments available on short notice, which can be a significant hurdle in adhering to the stipulated timeframe for the deregistration.

We strongly recommend using this online service, which is not only quick and easy, but also highly reliable.

Deregistering by mail

Deregistration documents can be sent by mail to the Resident Registration Office. You can mail the completed and signed deregistration form and a copy of your identity card or passport.

If applicable, include your visa or residence permit. Do not forget to include the passports of your family members, the birth certificates of your children and any other residence permits.  The completed deregistration form must be signed by all family members over the age of 18.

But beware: Most Citizen Service Centers will not send your deregistration confirmation to an address abroad.

Therefore, please include a cover letter stating the German address to which you wish to receive your deregistration confirmation (it is best to use a friend’s address). Enclose a copy of your representative’s passport. If you decide to book the deregistraion.de’s deregistration service, they will act as your German representative.

You must include details of the authorized representative (such as your spouse’s last name, first name, address, date of birth), details of the scope of the power of attorney (general power of attorney or individual power of attorney / what you have permission to do on your spouse’s behalf), details of its validity (until revoked or for a limited time) and your spouse’s signature, with place and date. It can be handwritten, but it must be in German.

It is very important to keep your deregistration certificate

Quick answer: The deregistration certificate (Abmeldebestätigung) not only confirms your status as a non-resident in Germany, but also plays a crucial role in terminating contracts and claiming tax exemptions. It also serves as proof for the social security system, including health and pension insurance, that you are no longer required to pay mandatory contributions.

Be sure to keep the deregistration certificate if you do any of the following from abroad:

• Claiming your German Pension: Whether applying for monthly benefits or a refund, the certificate is a key document.
• Applying for a refund of your German pension: For those who leave Germany permanently and meet eligibility criteria.
• Renewing your German passport or ID card: Essential for consulate or embassy services abroad.
• Visa Applications: Some countries require proof of non-residency in Germany as part of their visa processes.
• Reclaiming Security Deposits: Landlords or service providers may ask for proof of your deregistration when processing refunds.

In addition to the cases mentioned above, there are several other scenarios in which a deregistration certificate may be required. For example, if you are applying for a visa to enter another country, you may be required to provide proof that you are no longer a resident of Germany.

For many contracts, such as cell phone and Internet contracts, you have a special right of termination if you can prove that you are moving out of Germany.

This is because the provider is unable to provide the services in your new place of residence. This means that you can cancel contracts that normally bind you for 2 years with 1-3 months notice.

A slightly different procedure applies to health insurance. Health insurance is compulsory in Germany, meaning that all residents and employees must have it. Therefore, it can only be cancelled with proof of your departure from Germany. We will explain this procedure in more detail below.

The GEZ fee is also mandatory for all households in Germany and can only be cancelled with valid proof. You can find out how to do this in the next section.

To summarize – Contracts that you can terminate with a special right of termination using the deregistration certificate:

1. Utility Contracts: Electricity, gas, and water providers require proof of deregistration to terminate services tied to your German address.
2. Internet and Mobile Phone Contracts: If the provider cannot deliver services at your new residence abroad, you can cancel contracts that typically last up to 24 months with a notice period of 1–3 months.
3. Health Insurance: Mandatory in Germany, health insurance can only be canceled with valid proof of deregistration. This is critical to avoid accruing unnecessary contributions.
4. Broadcasting Fees (GEZ): The GEZ fee, mandatory for all German households, can only be canceled by providing proof that you no longer reside in the country.

Cancellation of German broadcasting fees

Every household in Germany must pay the GEZ fees, also known as the radio tax or broadcasting fees (Rundfunkbeitrag). These fees are mandatory and apply to anyone with a registered residence in Germany. Therefore, you can only cancel your contributions if you are leaving Germany for good. 

The cancellation process must be completed in writing or by using the online form available on the Rundfunkbeitrag website.

Unfortunately, the process is only available in German, so non-German speakers may need assistance with translations or navigating the website.

The deregistration does not have a retroactive effect. Still, it is usually only possible for amounts to be paid in the future. So you won’t get your money back or be relieved of paying if you deregister a few months later.

Cancellation of child benefits in Germany

Entitlement to German child benefits (Kindergeld) ends when you leave the country. It is the responsibility of the beneficiary to deregister with the Familienkasse (family benefits office) before leaving.

Simply deregistering your residence at the registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) is not sufficient to terminate child benefits.

Anyone who lives in a non-European country and knowingly continues to receive child benefit is committing tax evasion. Let’s assume that at some point the family benefits office becomes aware of this (e.g. through a data comparison with the registration office). In this case, the Criminal and Fines Department of the Family Benefits Office can initiate criminal tax proceedings.

The consequence of an investigation can be that the amount wrongly received (since emigration) must be repaid to the Family Benefits Office (with interest) oder so.

Do not forget this. Please make sure you cancel your child benefit in good time.

Special Cases

• Moving Within the EU/EEA: You may still qualify for child benefits depending on residency and employment arrangements. Notify the Familienkasse of your new situation to clarify your eligibility.
• Shared Custody or Guardianship: If only one parent moves abroad, the remaining parent may still be eligible for benefits. Update the Familienkasse about changes in custody or residence.

You can check which of these applies to you with our pension check. We’ll show you your options and help you make the most of your German pension contributions.

You should collect these documents and keep them in a safe place:

• Your residence deregistration certificate from Germany
• Any wage tax certificates (you will receive this from your employer at the end of the year)
• Your German social security card/certificate of registration with the social security office
• Proof of the time you spent studying or training in Germany
• Proof of time spent raising your children in Germany

These documents will help you get the pension you are entitled to. 

Who qualifies for a pension in Germany?

The German state pension system (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) is designed to be inclusive, offering benefits to a wide range of people, from workers to caregivers and students.

To qualify for a pension, you must meet the following criteria:

• Retirement Age: You must reach the statutory retirement age, which varies depending on your birth year. For most people, this is currently between 65 and 67 years.
• Minimum Contribution Period: You must have paid contributions for at least five years (60 months) into the German statutory pension scheme

Even if you haven’t worked full-time, the following periods may count as contribution years, helping you qualify for a pension:

• Part-Time Work: Contributions from part-time employment are valid.
• Study or Training Periods: Certain study or vocational training periods in Germany may be credited as contribution years.
• Raising Children: Time spent raising children can be credited, especially for the primary caregiver, as this period often involves contributions through the state.
• Unemployment Benefits: If you received unemployment benefits, this period might also count toward your pension eligibility.

If you paid contributions for less than five years, you may not qualify for a pension but could be entitled to a refund of your pension contributions