Residence; Notification of Change of Primary Residence

If you have multiple residences in Germany, registration law distinguishes between a primary residence and a secondary residence. Residences abroad are not taken into account when determining which is the primary and which is the secondary residence, even if they would objectively meet the criteria for a primary residence.

For single individuals , the primary residence is the residence that you use predominantly during the one-year period. If comparing the time spent in each residence does not yield a clear result, the determining factor is where the center of your life is located. Key criteria for this may include: the type of residence, personal ties, or social activities (e.g., membership in clubs and other organizations).

The primary residence of a person who is married or in a registered domestic partnership is the residence primarily used by the spouse or domestic partner or by the family.

For married individuals or those in a registered domestic partnership who live permanently apart, the same criteria apply as for single individuals.

For minors, the primary residence is the residence primarily used by the legal guardians. If the guardians live separately, the primary residence is the residence of the guardian that is primarily used by the minor. Upon submission of a corresponding application, this also applies to individuals up to the age of 25 who live in a facility for people with disabilities. In cases of doubt, the residence used primarily is the one where the center of the person’s social life is located.

You have at least two residences within Germany.

In addition to the length of time spent at each residence, other decisive criteria for determining a primary or secondary residence may include: age, marital status, place of employment, family ties, and the center of the person’s social life.

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

If your primary residence changes, you must notify the registration office responsible for your new primary residence within two weeks of the change.

• if applicable, employer-issued confirmations of work hours (presence at the workplace)
• Logbook, if applicable
• if applicable, additional (personal) documents that allow for an assessment of which apartment is used primarily

none