Anmeldung without a permanent apartment

How to register your address in Germany if you don't have your own apartment — all options, step by step.

4 min readUpdated:27 April 2026

Key information

For Anmeldung you don't need a lease agreement — a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation) for any address where you actually live is sufficient, even temporarily.

Registering at a friend's or relative's place

Most common

If you're staying with friends or relatives, they fill out the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung as the housing provider for your registration.

How does it work?

1
Talk to your host
Explain that Anmeldung creates no legal obligation for them — they simply confirm you live at that address.
2
Fill out the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
Download the form from the municipality website. The host enters name, address and move-in date and signs.
3
Go to the Bürgeramt
Bring passport, completed Anmeldeformular and signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung.

Your host won't be deregistered

Your registration at the same address does not affect the host's registration. Multiple people can be registered at one address.

WG (Wohngemeinschaft) — shared apartment

Common case

If moving into a WG (shared flat), the main tenant or landlord issues the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, depending on who is responsible for the apartment.

Who issues the confirmation?

Depends on the WG structure. Rules according to the Bundesmeldegesetz:

✓Landlord (Vermieter) — if you have a direct lease or sub-lease
✓Main tenant (Hauptmieter) — if you're a subtenant without a direct contract
✓Property management (Hausverwaltung) — if they issue confirmations
•In practice: ask whoever gave you the keys

Subletting (Untervermietung)

As a subtenant, check if the main tenant's lease allows subletting. The landlord can ask questions but cannot prevent your Anmeldung.

Temporary housing (hotel, Airbnb, serviced apartments)

Limited

Some forms of temporary housing allow Anmeldung, but not all. Here's an overview:

Works

Serviced apartments (furnished apartments)

With a lease (even for one month) — the landlord or agency issues the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Safest option for temporary housing.

Sometimes

Hotel / guesthouse

Some hotels issue confirmations for guests staying longer than 2 weeks. Ask before booking. The Bürgeramt may require additional proof.

Difficult

Airbnb / short-term rental

Most Airbnb hosts don't issue Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Even if they agree, some Bürgeramt offices don't accept Airbnb addresses.

14-day deadline and temporary housing

The deadline starts from move-in, not from entry into the country. If you're in a hotel while looking for an apartment, technically you don't need to register until you have a permanent address — but don't wait too long.

Obdachlosenmeldeadresse — last resort

Last option

If you truly have no address, some municipalities offer registration as a homeless person (Obdachlosenmeldeadresse). This is the last option with limitations.

How does it work?

•Contact the Sozialamt (social services) of your municipality
•You receive a temporary administrative address for mail
•Limited functionality — some institutions don't accept this address
•Recommended only as a temporary solution until housing is found

Important notice

Obdachlosenmeldeadresse is intended for people who are truly homeless. It is not a substitute for regular registration. If you have any possibility for normal registration (friend, hotel, temporary apartment) — use it.

Landlord refuses to issue confirmation?

Under Bundesmeldegesetz (§ 19.1 BMG), the landlord is legally obligated to issue the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Refusal is an offense punishable by up to EUR 1,000.

What to do?

1
Explain the legal obligation
Cite § 19.1 BMG — the landlord must issue the confirmation within 2 weeks of move-in.
2
Send a written request
If verbal requests fail, send a letter/email citing the law with a response deadline.
3
Contact the Bürgeramt
The Bürgeramt can process Anmeldung without the landlord's confirmation — bring the lease or other proof.
4
Report the landlord
As a last resort, report the landlord to the Ordnungsamt. Fine for refusal is up to EUR 1,000.

Template for written request

In our documents guide you can find a template for a written request to the landlord for issuing the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung, citing the relevant legal articles.

Frequently asked questions

Can I register at a friend's address without them being present?

Yes, but you need a signed Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your friend. They don't need to come to the Bürgeramt with you.

Does my registration affect the host's rent or contracts?

No. Your registration changes nothing legally or financially for the host. It doesn't affect rent, utility costs or the lease agreement.

How many people can be registered at one address?

There is no legal limit on the number of people registered at one address. In practice, every person living there should be registered.

Can I register from an Airbnb?

Technically yes, if the host agrees to issue a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. In practice, most Airbnb hosts refuse, and some Bürgeramt offices don't accept short-term addresses.

Back to Anmeldung guide First 14 days — step by step

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Last updated: March 2026. Information based on the Bundesmeldegesetz (BMG).