Rather they’ll be able to apply entirely online (using this link) and free of charge for the document.

Previously residents in many parts of the city had to pay €10 for a copy of the document, which can be a way to prove your address if you don’t have it on your ID card. It’s often the key document which foreigners in Germany use to do so when they lack a driver’s license or state issued ID card.

READ ALSO: 11 German words you need for an appointment at the Bürgeramt

According to Berlin’s Chief Digital Officer Martina Klement, residents should be able to receive the document as efficiently and quickly as possible.

The aim is to relieve the burden of Bürgerämter, who last year had 137,000 appointments to receive a a copy of the document.

“This will free up the citizens’ offices for other important tasks,” wrote the city government in an official announcement of the service on Wednesday.

Starting in 2024, other federal states should also be able to use the service developed in Berlin, Klement told local broadcaster rbb. 

On Wednesday, The Local reported that residents would also be able to do their Anmeldung, the appointment required to get a Meldebscheinigung, online as well.

It appears the online Anmeldung isn’t taking place at the moment, but the City of Berlin has been approached for further details.

A legal requirement

It may have come as a surprise to some – particularly EU citizens who have not had to endure the German visa process – but completing your Anmeldung is a legal requirement for anyone living in Germany. 

Everyone who arrives in Germany with the intention to live here is required to register within 14 days of moving in.

Tourists generally don’t intend to live in Germany and are an exception, meaning that they’re allowed to stay up to three months without registering. 

Even those who are only in the country temporarily – for example students – are still required to register.

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: How to understand the German ‘Anmeldung’