In Germany, you are required to officially register your place of residence (Meldepflicht). Once you move into a house or apartment, you need to register your residence there within two weeks’ time. This rule helps government offices to deliver important documents to your correct registered address and organize administrative processes reliably. Without residence registration, there are many further steps you will not be able to complete. On top of that, if you fail to register your residence, you may be subject to a fine of up to €1,000.