The German word “Bürgeramt” refers to the citizens’ office. It is a compound word combining “Bürger” (citizen) and “Amt” (office). Most people are familiar with the Bürgeramt as the place where you register your address. This process is called Anmeldung.
There are many types of “Ämter” (the plural form for “Amt) in Germany, such as:
These are examples of government offices to assist with the everyday life of German citizens and expats alike.
Your city’s website is the best way to find your nearest Bürgeramt. For example, Berlin.de features a list that displays all the Bürgeramt locations for Berlin. They are categorized according to the 12 districts in Berlin, making it easy to find one close to you.
Every city and town in Germany has at least one Bürgeramt. The exact number depends on several factors, such as the size of the city and its population. In Berlin alone, there are over 40 Bürgeramt locations.
You can visit any Bürgeramt location, regardless of where you live. However, not all locations offer the same services, so you should check before making an appointment.
Most Bürgeramt locations require you to book a time in advance, however some offices also allow walk-in appointments.
Booking an appointment at the Bürgeramt is typically done online or by phone. Some locations also allow walk-in appointments.
Booking an appointment online is possible through your city’s website. In Berlin, you can book an appointment through the Berlin.de website. However, there may be a shortage of appointments in popular cities such as Berlin. It may take a few tries before you finally get one.
The best times to check for an appointment are between 5:00 to 19:00. This is when available appointments for the day are released to the public. More appointments are sometimes released throughout the day.
Booking an appointment at the Bürgeramt is possible by calling the Bürgeramt hotline called the “Bürgertelefon”. Simply dial “115” from a Berlin landline or from a mobile phone registered within the Berlin metropolitan area.
If you live in a different part of Germany, the Berlin Bürgertelefon hotline can be reached with the area code “030”. You will need to dial “030115” instead of “115”. The Bürgertelefon can also be contacted from abroad by adding the German country code before dialling. The number is “+4930115.
The Bürgertelefon is available Monday to Friday, from 7:00 to 18:00 CET.
Most Bürgertelefon operators only speak German. Some may respond to English, but it would be a better idea to ask a German-speaking friend to call on your behalf.
In addition to registering your apartment, the Bürgeramt also processes the following requests:
All Bürgeramt services can be booked through the website or Bürgertelefon.
Below are some commonly asked questions about the Bürgeramt.
Yes. It is possible to cancel or reschedule your appointment at the Bürgeramt. You will have to find the “Vorgangsnummer” (transaction number) and an “Absagecode” (cancellation code) on your email confirmation. Enter these two numbers into the system to reschedule or cancel your appointment.
Typically, yes. Since German is the official language of the country, most government workers are not obliged to speak in any other language other than German. While some case workers are kind enough to speak English, it is not common practice and should not be expected. If you don’t speak German, it is best to take a German-speaking friend or a translator with you.
Sometimes. A number of Bürgeramt locations offer an instant photo booth where you can have your passport picture taken. This is indicated by the phrase “Ein Fotoautomat ist vorhanden” on the Bürgeramt’s website.
Every Bürgeramt has different opening hours. The typical opening hours run from 07:30 to 15:30 or 08:00 to 15:00. Some Bürgerämt locations are even open on Saturdays with shorter hours from 09:00 to 13:00.