Service content
Description of the
If you have several homes in Germany, the registration regulations distinguish between a main residence and a secondary residence. Homes abroad are not taken into account when determining which is the main residence and which is the secondary residence, even if they would objectively meet the criteria for a main residence.
The main residence of a single person is the home that is predominantly used by them during the course of a year. If a comparison of the time spent in the respective homes does not yield a clear result, the decisive factor is where the centre of your social life lies. Key criteria for this may include: the type of home, personal ties or social activities (e.g. membership of clubs and other organisations).
The main residence of a person who is married or in a registered civil partnership is the home primarily used by the spouse or civil partner, or by the family.
For people who are married or in a civil partnership but live permanently apart, the same criteria apply as for single people.
In the case of minors, the main residence is the home predominantly used by the persons with parental responsibility. If these persons live apart, the main residence is the home of the person with parental responsibility which is predominantly used by the minor. Upon application, this also applies to persons up to the age of 25 who live in a care home for people with disabilities. In cases of doubt, the dwelling used predominantly is the one where the centre of the person’s social life lies.
Prerequisites
You have at least two homes within Germany.
In addition to the length of time spent there, the following may be decisive criteria for determining whether a home is a main or secondary residence: age, marital status, place of work, family ties, and the centre of the person’s social life.
The final decision will be made by the registration authority, which may check the details you have provided.Deadlines
If your main residence changes, you must notify the registration authority responsible for your new main residence within two weeks of the change.
Required documents
where applicable, confirmation from the employer regarding working hours (presence at the location)
; where applicable, a logbook
; where applicable, other (personal) documents that enable an assessment to be made as to which flat is used predominantlyCosts
none
Legal basis