The standardised nationwide online service for registering a change of address has been launched. According to the of the Federal Government, published on the same day. They show both increased participation in the citizens have been able to register their main, sole or second residence digitally, or change their registered address, since 4 November 2026. The Federal Chancellery refers to the platform Electronic Residence Registration as well as linked service portals run by the Länder and local authorities.
The service centres on the digital recording of address details and the provision of a forgery-proof digital registration certificate bearing electronic and visual seals. It is also possible to update the address stored on the chip in an identity card, passport or eID card. This requires the online ID function —that is, using a compatible smartphone or card reader with near-field communication (NFC), and a personal identification number.
The local registration office remains responsible. Electronic registration is only possible if the relevant authority is connected to the online service. The federal government makes clear that using the digital service does not change legal obligations: the deadlines under the Federal Registration Act still apply, meaning that a move must generally be reported within 14 days. Required documents such as the confirmation from the housing provider must also be provided when registering digitally.
The federal government and Länder specify some practical requirements for using the service: an account such as BundID, an up-to-date AusweisApp and, where necessary, the technical equipment for using the online ID function. Several Länder and local authority portals have already integrated the service; further authorities will be connected in stages. The responsible bodies report figures for the number of municipalities connected at launch and the accessibility standards assessed differently depending on the Land.
The service forms part of the public administration modernisation programme and the implementation of the Online Access Act. Authorities must connect local registers and ensure data quality. From the administration’s perspective, the new process is intended to reduce duplicated work; for users, it promises to save time and travel, particularly when moving between Länder. Outstanding questions concern the extent of actual nationwide coverage on launch day, the resilience of systems under heavy demand and detailed data protection issues. Information on these matters can be found in the published service descriptions and guidance from the participating portals, and may vary between Länder.
The federal government regards the launch as an important step towards a nationwide digital administration. However, its usefulness in everyday life will depend on registration offices being connected quickly and widely, and on reliable access to the technical services.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).