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You can only register where you have a place to stay available to you, but it does not matter if you actually stay there. Thus renting a cheap room from a friend is possible, terminating the rental without de-registration is not. (The fine, if found, is up to €50000 - no typing error!)

What do you need the registration for, during your absence?

Being absent for up to 6 months has no impact on your residence title - longer stays need to be permitted by the foreigners authority beforehand.

Receiving letters is possible (and legal) anywhere you have a mailbox, without needing a registration for it. They can be rented from the post and private providers.

I would add that there is usually a 3 months notice needed unless a rental agreement is already specifically limited or saying otherwise. If one doesn't give notice in time then they will be charged for rent whether they are still there or not. This is why a 3 month deposit is usually required; to cover any damages but also in case people try to leave owing rent.

@beppi

Thank you very much for your reply.

What do you need the registration for, during your absence?

-> I thought the tax, insurance, bills...etc. are tied to my registered address.

But, from what you wrote, I don't really need the registration for up to 6 months.

Then, I can cancel my apartment (abmeldung), and change my address to a friend's if he/she agrees.

When I come back, I need to find a place to live and register again.

One more question, since I don't register under a friend's apartment, there will be no consequence/trouble for him/her, right?

She/he should just simply put my name on his/her mailbox and check my mail for me.

Is it correct?

I really appreciate your help!

@TominStuttgart

Thank you for your reply.

Yes, I am aware of the 3-month notice.

Since I am in a university town, I am just hoping I can find someone to take over my apartment ASAP.

@Doris Chang Liao Yes, that's correct!

@TominStuttgart
Thank you for your reply.
Yes, I am aware of the 3-month notice.
Since I am in a university town, I am just hoping I can find someone to take over my apartment ASAP.
-@Doris Chang Liao

Even if a new renter is found doesn't mean that one doesn't have to pay until the contract is finished; thus up to 3 months for nothing. Unless you really want a different apartment, the simplest would be to just keep the apartment and sublet it for the time you are gone. This would save all of the trouble of de-registering and re-registering. Totally allowed when one is just going off for a couple of months.

@Doris Chang Liao Yes, that's correct!
-@beppi

Thank you!

@TominStuttgart
Thank you for your reply.
Yes, I am aware of the 3-month notice.
Since I am in a university town, I am just hoping I can find someone to take over my apartment ASAP.
-@Doris Chang Liao
Even if a new renter is found doesn't mean that one doesn't have to pay until the contract is finished; thus up to 3 months for nothing. Unless you really want a different apartment, the simpliest would be to just keep the apartment and sublet it for the time yoou are gone. This would save all of the trouble of de-registering and re.registering. Totally allowed when one is just going off for a couple of months.
-@TominStuttgart

Thanks for your advice.

I am also considering subleasing and have put out the Ad. for 2 weeks, but so far no response. probably not a good timing.... I'll wait for another week i think!

But sublet also carries some risks.....

anyway, I will try everything, just hope to go back home ASAP.

Hi, hope you are all doing well.
I have a question regarding "Abmeldung".
I am currently holding a permanent residence permit and working as a freelancer here in Germany.
Due to a family emergency, I am planning to go back to my country for 2-3 months.
Since the rent is too high, I am thinking to cancel my apartment during these few months (abmeldung).

If you are sure you are coming back, it is unlikely you'll save much money by terminating your rental agreement when you consider the costs of storing your belongings and finding a new apartment when you return. Don't forget that most German cities have a serious housing shortage and increasing rents.

Furthermore, you can't save money by cancelling your health insurance because it could cause your NE to become void.

Hi, hope you are all doing well.
I have a question regarding "Abmeldung".
I am currently holding a permanent residence permit and working as a freelancer here in Germany.
Due to a family emergency, I am planning to go back to my country for 2-3 months.
Since the rent is too high, I am thinking to cancel my apartment during these few months (abmeldung).


If you are sure you are coming back, it is unlikely you'll save much money by terminating your rental agreement when you consider the costs of storing your belongings and finding a new apartment when you return. Don't forget that most German cities have a serious housing shortage and increasing rents.

Furthermore, you can't save money by cancelling your health insurance because it could cause your NE to become void.
-@Sunshine03

Thank you for your reply.

My friend offers me her basement to store my stuff. I don't have any furniture, so that should be no problem.

However, you are right. Returning and finding a new apartment could be problematic and troublesome.......

Hopefully, subleasing will work out.

Btw, what does NE referring to? Could you please elaborate a bit more about the health insurance?

I have talked to my health insurance (TK) and they send me a form to fill out regarding the temporary suspension of the contract.

What would be the potential problems of doing so?

Thank you!

@Doris Chang Liao

NE = Niederlassungserlaubnis

You mentioned in your initial post that you have a permanent residence permit. What exactly is written on it?

@Doris Chang Liao
NE = Niederlassungserlaubnis

You mentioned in your initial post that you have a permanent residence permit. What exactly is written on it?
-@Sunshine03

Yes, it is written, "Güttig bis: UNBEFRISTET" and "Art de Titels: Niederlassungserlaubnis" on my Aufenthaltstite card.

Why would temporarily suspending health insurance affect my NE?

Thank you!