The obligation to register begins with the actual occupation of the residence – regardless of the beginning of the rental/purchase contract. Deregistration is only necessary if you move out of a residence and do not move into a new residence in Germany. This is the case, for example, if you give up a secondary residence without replacement or if you move abroad.
In the following cases, there is no obligation to register with the authorities:
- you are registered for a residence in Germany and move into another residence for no longer than six months, or
- you otherwise live abroad and move into a residence for no longer than three months.