A piece of paper with a big effect: A registration certificate can be essential in many situations. Whether applying for child benefits or parental benefits at the job center or registry office – it is often necessary to present such a certificate.
But which documents must be submitted, and what information does a certificate of registration hold?
Required documents
You usually need a valid identity card or passport to apply for a registration certificate. If it is impossible to collect the certificate in person, you can also give a power of attorney to a third person. The third person will also need a valid identity card and power of attorney.
Erweiterte Meldebescheinigung
Erweiterte Meldebescheinigungen können außerdem folgende weitere Daten auf Antrag enthalten:
Prerequisites
You can apply for a registration certificate at your primary or secondary residence. Please note that you can only apply for a registration certificate for the home where you are or were registered. For example, if you have emigrated from Germany, a registration certificate proves that you are no longer registered in Germany.
General information
According to section 18, paragraphs 1 and 2 of the Federal Registration Act (Bundesmeldegesetz, BMG), a written registration certificate is issued upon application. A distinction is made between a simple and an extended certificate of registration.
Simple registration certificates contain the following data:
- Family name,
- former names,
- first name,
- doctoral degree
- Order name, stage name,
- date and place of birth and, in the case of birth abroad, also the state,
- the current address is marked according to a primary and secondary residence.
Extended registration certificates may also contain the following additional data upon request:
- legal representative, spouse, civil partner, and minor children, each with surname, first name, degree of doctorate, date of birth, address,
- current nationality
- previous addresses
- date of moving in, date of moving out and
- marital status
Both registration certificates can be applied for orally, in writing, and sometimes electronically.
For example, registration certificates are needed for marriages or applying for loans.
It is a simple or extended registration certificate depending on the data required. In any case, the data must be up-to-date and correct to avoid unnecessary complications.
The data provided must be up-to-date and correct to avoid unnecessary complications.
The validity period of the registration certificate
One important thing to consider when applying for a registration certificate in Germany is the validity period. The registration certificate is valid for three to six months from the issue date.
If the information on the document is no longer up-to-date or there are changes in personal data, a new registration certificate must be issued. It is also possible to request an updated document version if necessary. In general, registration certificates must be reapplied for after their validity has expired, as changes cannot be ruled out.
The purpose of the registration certificate
Another vital aspect to consider when applying for a registration certificate is the document’s purpose. Depending on the goal, different types of registration certificates may be required. For example, if a marriage certificate is being applied for, an extended version of the document may be necessary, containing additional information such as the person’s marital status.
If, on the other hand, the purpose is to take up employment, a simple version of the document may suffice, containing only basic personal information such as name, date of birth, and current address.
It is important to note that the registration certificate is not a substitute for a passport or identity card. It is merely a document that confirms the person’s current registration in the respective municipality. A valid passport or identity card must be presented for travel or identification purposes.
In addition, it is essential to note that the registration certificate is not proof of a residence permit or citizenship. It only confirms the person’s current address and personal information. Other documents may be required for proof of residence permit or citizenship.
The price of the registration certificate
Another important aspect to consider when applying for a registration certificate is the price. The cost of a registration certificate varies depending on the issuing authority and the type of document required. In general, the cost of a simple registration certificate is lower than that of an extended version.
It is therefore advisable to find out about the charges in advance. Experience shows that registration certificates cost between 5 and 25 euros per person.
The importance of other relevant documents
In addition to the registration certificate, other documents may be required for administrative purposes in Germany. For example, a certificate of good conduct may be required for certain professions or when applying for a visa.
A birth certificate or marriage certificate may also be needed for administrative purposes. It is advisable to keep all relevant documents up to date and have them immediately at hand when needed.
In the case of emigration, certified translations should be done in good time.
Renewing your German passport abroad
If you are a German citizen living abroad and need to renew your German passport, you must prove that you are no longer registered in Germany. In this case, you will need a confirmation of deregistration or a current certificate of registration confirming that you are no longer registered in Germany.
With this proof, you can renew your passport, which can only be issued abroad for persons no longer registered in Germany. Therefore, obtaining the necessary documents to complete the renewal process smoothly is essential.
However, if you need to renew your passport, you will need proof that you are no longer registered in Germany. You can apply for a deregistration confirmation at the Residents’ Registration Office seven days before and 14 days after emigration. In fact, it is a legal requirement to deregister, but many people forget to do so.
A deregistration confirmation is usually valid for much longer and is free of charge when applied for.
Overall, it is crucial to know in advance the requirements for renewing a German passport abroad and ensure you have the necessary documents to make the process go smoothly. If you need clarification on the required documents, contact the German embassy or consulate abroad for more information.
In summary, the Meldebescheinigung is an important document that confirms a person’s current address and personal information.
A registration certificate is of great importance in many life situations. Whether applying for a new passport abroad, applying for a loan, or getting married at the registry office, it is often necessary to present such a certificate.
