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German Bureaucracy Glossary

essential terms explained in plain language.

115 terms

Immigration

Abmeldung

Deregistration — formal process to deregister your address when leaving Germany.

Anmeldung

also: Einwohnermeldung

Registration of residence — mandatory registration at the local Einwohnermeldeamt within 2 weeks of moving in.

Aufenthaltserlaubnis

Residence permit — temporary permit allowing non-EU citizens to live and work in Germany.

Aufenthaltstitel

Residence title — the general term for all types of residence permits in Germany.

Ausländerbehörde

Immigration authority — the office responsible for issuing and renewing residence permits for non-EU citizens.

Duldung

Tolerated stay — temporary suspension of deportation, not a full residence permit but allows you to stay temporarily.

Einwohnermeldeamt

Residents' registration office — the local authority where you must register your address (Anmeldung).

Niederlassungserlaubnis

Permanent residence permit — unlimited right to live and work in Germany.

Reisepass

Passport — international travel document.