Leaving Germany Checklist: Abmeldung, Cancellations and Money to Reclaim

30-second summary: Before you leave Germany, follow this list for deregistration (Abmeldung), insurance/contract cancellations and the money you can reclaim (deposit + pension contributions). Doing it in the wrong order costs you time and money.

Leaving Germany correctly is as procedural as arriving. A missed cancellation means months of bills, an unreturned deposit, or a forfeited pension refund. Here is the step-by-step.

#1. Abmeldung (deregistration)

Deregister at the Bürgeramt after moving out and get your Abmeldebestätigung. This document is a precondition for most cancellations (broadcasting fee, insurance). It is free, done online or by appointment.

#2. Rental contract and Kaution (deposit)

• Terminate your contract in writing (Kündigung), respecting the notice period (usually 3 months).
• Hand the flat back in contractual condition; sign a handover protocol (Übergabeprotokoll).
• The landlord refunds the Kaution minus damages/debts, within a reasonable period (often up to 6 months). Learn your deposit-recovery rights in advance.

#3. Insurance and official payments

• Krankenkasse (health insurance): cancel using your Abmeldung confirmation.
• Rundfunkbeitrag (broadcasting fee): submit a cancellation with the Abmeldung, or bills keep coming.
• Liability and other insurance: terminate per the notice period.

#4. Bank and contracts

• Do not close your bank account immediately — keep it open for the deposit refund and pension refund.
• Phone, internet, electricity, gym: terminate each with its notice period (watch auto-renewal).

#5. Money to reclaim: pension contributions

If you are a non-EU citizen who paid into German pension insurance (Rentenversicherung), you can apply for a refund of your contributions 24 months after leaving the EU (provided you are not contributing in another EU country). This can be a significant sum — apply to Deutsche Rentenversicherung.

#6. Tax and mail

• File a tax return (Steuererklärung) for your final year to claim a possible partial-year refund.
• Set up a Nachsendeauftrag to forward your mail (don't miss official letters).

All amounts and deadlines may change. Confirm the current details with the relevant authority (Bürgeramt, Krankenkasse, Deutsche Rentenversicherung) before applying.