Residence; notification of change of main residence

If you have several homes in Germany, the registration law distinguishes between a main residence and a secondary residence. Homes abroad are not taken into account when determining main and secondary residences, even if they would objectively meet the criteria of a main residence.

The main residence of single persons is the residence that is predominantly used by them in the course of a year. If the comparison of the periods of residence in the respective dwellings does not lead to a clear result, it depends on where the focus of your living relationships lies. Important criteria for this can be The type of home, personal ties or social activities (e.g. membership in clubs and other organizations).

The main residence of a married person or a person living in a registered civil partnership is the home primarily used by the spouse or civil partner or the family.

In the case of married persons or persons living in a registered civil partnership who are permanently separated, the same criteria apply as for single persons.

In the case of minors, the main residence is the home primarily used by the person with custody. If they live separately, the main residence is the home of the person with custody that is predominantly used by the minor. If a corresponding application is made, this also applies to persons up to the age of 25 who live in an institution for disabled persons. In cases of doubt, the predominantly used home is where the main focus of the living relationships is located.

You have at least two homes in Germany.

Decisive criteria for determining a main or secondary residence can be, in addition to the duration of use: Age, marital status, place of work, family ties, the focus of living relationships.

The final decision is made by the registration authority, which may check the information you have provided.

If your main residence changes, you must notify the registration authority responsible for the new main residence within two weeks of this change.

• Confirmation of working hours from the employer (if applicable)
• Logbook, if applicable
• If applicable, further (personal) documents that allow an assessment of which apartment is predominantly used

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