FAQ

If you move into a secondary residence in Bremen, then you are generally liable for second home tax.

If you only have one residence in Germany, this is called your “sole residence” (alleinige Wohnung). Whether you live there alone or with other people does not matter.

If you have several residences in Germany, the one you use most often is called your “primary residence” (Hauptwohnung). Every additional residence is a “secondary residence” (Nebenwohnung).

You will need to (re-)register within 14 days of moving into your (new) residence. It is important that you provide us with the landlord confirmation stating that you have actually moved in.

Any adult family member can register the whole family.

You can also register via mail. In that case, you will also need to provide a copy of your passport. We do not directly process registrations via mail but forward them by courier to a Citizen Service Center (BürgerServiceCenter - BSC).

Unfortunately, you cannot register online.

Usually you do not. If you are going to relocate within Germany and register with the local authorities in your new city, they will inform us.

However, you do need to deregister, if

• you are leaving Germany to move to another country

or

• you are giving up a German residence (such as a secondary residence) and not moving into a new one.

You cannot deregister earlier than two weeks before relocating.

• proof of identity (e.g. expired ID card, valid (children’s) passport, or birth certificate)
• one current biometric passport photo according to the passport photo requirements
• proof of child custody for single parents
• for children under the age of 16: a special declaration of consent from the parents or legal guardians is needed stating whether the child’s finger prints are to be recorded and whether the ID card after completion may be handed over to the child
• in cases of name changes (e.g. due to marriage): a copy of corresponding excerpt of the family register might be needed as well

• applicants under 24 years of age: 22.80 EUR
• applicants 24 years and older: 28.80 EUR

• proof of identity (e.g. expired ID card, valid (children’s) passport, or birth certificate)
• one current biometric passport photo according to the passport photo requirements
• for children under the age of 18: the form “Einverständniserklärung Pass” (Declaration of Consent - Passport) completed and signed by the parents or custodians as well as (a copy of) the parents’ ID cards  

• applicants under 24 years of age: 37.50 EUR (express service fees plus 32.00 EUR)
• applicants 24 years and older: 60.00 EUR (express service fees plus 32.00 EUR)

Passport processing usually takes three to four weeks. If the passport is needed earlier, you can apply for an express passport, which is generally available within three working days.

The fees for express passports are:

• applicants under 24 years of age: 69.50 EUR
• applicants 24 years and older: 91.00 EUR

Unfortunately, no. If your ID card/passport has expired, you will need to apply for a new one.

The bsu can certify:

• copies or transcripts of documents issued by or required by a public authority (e.g. degree certificates, school reports, citizenship certificates, etc.) 
• private documents (e.g. work references)

You must bring the original document and a clearly legible copy or transcript.

With foreign language documents, the bsu will need to copy the original document.

Note:

• Occasionally, degree certificates must be certified by the issuing university.
• The bsu can currently only certify documents no bigger than DIN A4.
• Certified copies of vital records (birth, marriage, civil partnership, and death certificates) can only be issued at the registry office.

Fees for certified copies:

• certified copy for the purpose of study or vocational training (first page): 2.10 EUR
• certified copy for the purpose of study or vocational training (every additional page): 0.35 EUR
• certified copy (pages 1-5): 2.10 EUR
• certified copy (every additional page from page 6): 0.42 EUR
• additional copy: 0.75 EUR

If you have registered your residence in Bremen, we will process your application for a certificate of good conduct as recorded in the Federal Central Criminal Register (Bundeszentralregister).

For document type O (for submission to an authority), we will need the exact address of the authority and the intended use or the reference number.

For your application, you will need a proof of identity, of course. You can only apply in person for a certificate of good conduct!

The fees are currently 13.00 EUR.

Unfortunately, no. We are not yet able to offer the services related to motor vehicles and drivers’ licenses.