Who handles what?

Where do I have to go?

German administration is easier once you separate municipal, immigration, tax, insurance and university responsibilities.

Authority

Bürgeramt / Bürgerbüro

Address registration, registration certificates and many local identity or municipal services.

Use your municipality's official service portal.

Authority

Residence permits, extensions and many immigration matters after arrival.

The responsible office is normally linked to your place of residence.

Authority

Entry visas and consular matters before travel.

Use the mission responsible for your current place of residence.

Authority

Public employment services and roles in some work-authorisation procedures.

Use its official portal or the route named by the immigration authority.

Authority

Federal immigration and integration information, including integration courses and asylum matters.

BAMF does not replace the local authority handling an individual residence permit.

Authority

Local tax administration and tax-case matters.

Your personal Tax ID is a separate federal identifier.

Authority

Statutory health-insurance membership, certificates and contribution questions.

Ask the insurer to confirm your individual status in writing.

Authority

Admission, enrolment, semester contributions and university records.

University enrolment does not replace residence or municipal formalities.

Official city portals

Choose the municipality where you actually live; nearby cities can use different portals and appointment systems.