The City of Jena Encourages Residents to Register Their Primary Residence

In 2026, the city of Jena will once again be targeting students, apprentices, and young adults with a campaign encouraging them to register their primary residence in Jena. The focus is on the simple digital residence registration process and the primary residence bonus of up to 120 euros.
Those who meet the requirements can complete the registration process entirely online—regardless of office hours and without needing to make an additional appointment at the Citizen Service Center.

“Anyone new to Jena should be able to register their residence quickly and easily. Digital registration saves time and travel and can be done regardless of our office hours. This is a significant convenience, especially for students and apprentices. We want to continue down this path and gradually expand the digital services offered by the Citizen Service Center,” says Benjamin Koppe, mayor and head of the Department of Finance, Safety, and Citizen Services.

Arriving and Becoming Part of Jena

For students and apprentices under the age of 30, the city also offers a primary residence bonus totaling up to 120 euros. It is granted for a maximum of two half-years and must be applied for separately.

With this initiative, the city also aims to highlight what Jena stands for: a cosmopolitan, diverse, and vibrant city where people from different backgrounds live, learn, and work. Anyone who makes Jena their home should not only register here but also feel welcome as part of the city’s community.

“Jena thrives on the people who come here and decide to stay. We want them to feel welcome in our city. Openness, diversity, and a spirit of community are therefore a natural part of who we are,” said Koppe.

More information on registering your residence and the primary residence bonus is available here.