Schleswig-Holstein

Kiel

Kiel is a sailing city on the Baltic coast in Germany's far north, with a strong marine science university and some of the most affordable rents among university cities.

Arriving in Kiel: you must register your address (Anmeldung) at the local Meldebehörde within two weeks of moving in — that is a legal deadline under § 17 Bundesmeldegesetz, not a guideline, and missing it carries a fine of up to €1,000. Budget roughly €430/month for a WG room, though see the caveat on that figure below.

Deadline and fine: § 17 BMG, § 54 Abs. 3 BMG.

Student friendly

8/10

Transport

7/10

Safety

8/10

FirstWeek editorial rating — our own read, not a measured statistic. Not derived from official data. How we handle data

Rent, roughly

Room type	Avg monthly rent
WG room	€430
Studio	€680
1-bedroom	€900

Not independently sourced — treat as a rough indication only. How we handle data

Universities

Kiel University (CAU)

Kiel University of Applied Sciences

Frequently asked questions

What universities are in Kiel?

Kiel is home to: Kiel University (CAU), Kiel University of Applied Sciences.

Which German state is Kiel in?

Kiel is located in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

How long do I have to register my address in Kiel, Germany?

Two weeks. § 17 of the Bundesmeldegesetz requires anyone moving into a residence in Germany to register with the local Meldebehörde within two weeks of moving in. The clock starts on your move-in date, not your arrival in the country.

What is the fine for registering your address late in Kiel, Germany?

Up to €1,000. Late or missing registration is an Ordnungswidrigkeit under § 54 Abs. 3 of the Bundesmeldegesetz, carrying a fine of up to €1,000. In practice many offices issue a warning or a much smaller amount for a first, briefly late registration — but the legal ceiling is €1,000.

Quick links

View on map

Start checklist

All cities