Resident Registration Office
Everyone who moves into a house or flat in Germany is obligated to register. Therefore, you and any accompanying family members must register with the Resident Registration Office (“Einwohnermeldeamt”) responsible for the area you live in within one week of entering the country. At the Resident Registration Office you will be given a:
- registration certificate / “Meldebescheinigung”: This is a document confirming your registration. You will need this official proof of registration if you wish to extend your visa or open a bank account
- “Steueridentifikationsnummer”: This is your tax ID and you will need it if you have an employment contract with a university and intend to draw a salary
- Police clearance certificate (“Polizeiliches Führungszeugnis”): You require this if you have an employment contract with the university.
In Bochum
To be able to register with the Resident Registration Office you require:
- your current address
- a passport or equivalent document
Transferring / cancelling registration
If you move house during your stay you will have to go to the local Resident Registration Office in your new place of residence to transfer your registration and register your new address. When you leave Germany at the end of your research period you must cancel your registration with the Resident Registration Office.
Tutor Service
Every Tuesday, 8:00am (meeting point by arrangement).
If you require assistance when dealing with the formalities or would like someone to accompany you to the various authorities, you can call on our team of student tutors who will be pleased to help you. The tutor service includes:
- assistance in dealing with the officials at the Foreign Nationals Registration Office
- assistance in opening a German bank account
- assistance in taking out a health insurance policy
For appointments, please contact Ms. Alexandra Redel, counsellor for guest researchers (phone: +49 (0)234 / 32-25408). Please contact us at least 3 days in advance.
Guide for international researchers, chapter 5:
Concerning entry and residence. Read more here (page 84) (2.3 MB)Translation: Dr. Lynda Lich-Knight, ResearchComm Ltd.
