Incoming Students

Why do I need to register?

If you plan to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, you are legally required to register your residential address with the local authorities. This process is called “Anmeldung” and must be done within two weeks after moving into your accommodation in Hamburg.

The registration is required by German law and is essential for many important processes, such as:

• Applying for a residence permit
• Opening a bank account
• Signing up for health insurance
• Receiving official letters or parcels
• Getting your tax identification number

If your stay is shorter than 90 days, you do not need to register at the Einwohnermeldeamt. However, we still recommend checking your visa/residence regulations in case specific requirements apply.

When and where to register?

You must register within 14 days of moving into your accommodation. This is done at a Hamburg Service Point (Einwohnermeldeamt). Registration is only possible by appointment.

Appointments can be booked by phone (Mon–Fri from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the universal service hotline 115) or online via this platform:

https://serviceportal.hamburg.de/HamburgGateway/service/entry/digitermin

→ Choose: Wohnsitzänderung → Umzug nach Hamburg aus dem Ausland melden

Tip: New appointment slots are released early every morning for the same day. So, if you only see appointments available in 2 months, don’t panic – check again early the next day.

Note: The Hamburg-Wandsbek registration office is the closest location to Helmut-Schmidt-University.
It can be easily reached by bus (lines X22, 10, or 263) and is located directly across from the bus stop „Wandsbek Markt.“

Find more information here: https://www.hamburg.com/residents/civil-services-guide/hamburg-service-vor-ort/residents-973484

Documents you need

Bring the following documents to your appointment:

1. Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (Landlord Confirmation Form)

This form confirms that you’ve moved into a specific address. It must be filled out by the person responsible for your housing (not by the International Office).
At HSU, this is usually the “Spieß” of your accomodation (Alpha, Bravo, or Charlie)

• Enrollment Certificate from HSU
  
  

Issued by the Examination Office and can be picked up at the International Office. This document confirms your status as a student at HSU and the period of your enrollment.

3. Passport or National ID Card
4. (If applicable) Visa

Important notes

• The International Office does NOT fill out the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung. Please contact your housing supervisor (Stube A/B/C).
• You must register within 14 days of moving into your accommodation. Failure to do so may result in a fine.
• After registering, you will receive a Meldebestätigung (confirmation of registration). Keep this document safe – it is needed for many official purposes (e.g., applying for your residence permit or opening a bank account).
• A few weeks after registration, you will receive your German tax identification number (Steuer-ID) by post. This number is valid for life and will be important if you plan to work or live in Germany in the future. This letter is often delivered to the International Office. We will notify you as soon as it arrives, and you can pick it up from us.

Adress Registration Process

Residence Permit for International Students

Who needs a residence permit?

• EU/EEA/Swiss students do not need a residence permit.
• Non-EU/EEA students usually enter Germany with a student visa issued by the German embassy in their home-country.
• Students from certain countries (e.g. Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand, United Kingdom Great Britain and Northern Ireland) may enter without a visa and then apply for a residence permit directly after arrival in Hamburg.

If you are staying in Germany for more than 90 days (one trimester or longer), you must apply for a residence permit for study purposes.

When to apply?

• Apply as soon as possible after arrival in Hamburg.
• If you already have a visa for study purposes, you must apply for a residence permit before your visa expires.
• Students entering without a visa (see above) must apply for a residence permit within the first 90 days after arrival.

How to apply?

1. Register your address (Anmeldung) at a Hamburg Service Point (Einwohnermeldeamt)

• This is the first step after moving into your accommodation.
• You will receive a confirmation of registration (“Meldebestätigung”).

2. Apply online via https://serviceportal.hamburg.de/HamburgGateway/Service/Entry/AFM_Auf_en/

• Upload required documents.
• Book an appointment at the Hamburg Welcome/Immigration Office.
• You will receive confirmational and further instructions by email.

Required documents:

• Valid Passport
• Biometric passport photos
• Enrollment Certificate from HSU (can be picked up at the International Office)
• Proof of financial resources
• Health insurance certificate
• Confirmation of registration (“Meldebestätigung”)

More information:

You can find further details on the Hamburg Welcome Office website: https://welcome.hamburg.com/entry-and-residence/residence-permit/students-17520