How to Forward Your Mail When Moving in Germany (Nachsendeauftrag)

Moving house in Germany? You've packed the boxes, hired the van, but what about your post? Missing important letters from the Finanzamt, your Krankenkasse or even a package from Amazon could turn your fresh start into a headache. That's where the Nachsendeauftrag comes in – the reliable Deutsche Post service that forwards your mail seamlessly to your new address. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know in 2026, from costs to step-by-step setup, so you don't miss a single envelope.

What is a Nachsendeauftrag and Why Do You Need It?

The Nachsendeauftrag (mail forwarding order) is a service from the Deutsche Post that redirects your post from your old address to your new one. It's essential during a move, long absence like a holiday or even an international relocation, ensuring you stay connected to bills, official mail and personal letters.

Without it, you risk overlooking time-sensitive documents – think Meldebescheinigung updates at your local Bürgeramt or Rentenversicherung statements. The service covers most standard mail: letters, postcards, registered items, enveloped advertising mail and even some newspapers. Exclusions include express parcels, non-enveloped dialogue post or items marked "Nicht nachsenden".

Who Can Use It? Families, Businesses and Expats

• Privatpersonen: Ideal for households – list all family members on one order.
• Geschäftskunden: Businesses get tailored options for higher volumes.
• Auslandsziele: Forwarding works worldwide, though foreign post services may charge extra fees upon delivery.

Note: Regional providers like NordBrief only handle mail within their zones, so stick to Deutsche Post for nationwide or international moves.

Costs of Nachsendeauftrag in 2026: What You'll Pay

Pricing is straightforward and value-for-money. For private customers:

Laufzeit	Online (Privat)	Filiale (Privat)	Geschäft
6 Monate (Standard Umzug)	31,90 €	34,90 €	51,90 €
12 Monate	ca. 26,90 € + 3 €/Monat	-	-
24 Monate (online only)	ab 5,32 €/Monat	-	ab 5,32 €/Monat

All prices include MwSt. Add-ons like parcel forwarding cost extra. Choose 12 months for the best deal on longer moves. Beware third-party providers – they often charge more for the same service.

How to Set Up Your Nachsendeauftrag: Step-by-Step Guide

Beantragen is quick – online or in-branch. Aim for 2-3 weeks before your move, with a minimum 5 Werktage lead time. Here's the 2026 online process via deutschepost.de/nachsendeservice:

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

• Gültiger Ausweis (Personalausweis or Reisepass)
• Exact old and new addresses (check spelling!)
• Bank details for payment
• For families: Full names of all involved

Step 2: Start the Online Application

1. Visit Deutsche Post Nachsendeservice and select "Privatperson".
2. Enter old/new addresses, reason (e.g., Umzug or vorübergehende Abwesenheit), start date and Laufzeit.
3. Choose options: 6/12/24 months; add Pakete if needed.

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

Complete PostIdent:

• VideoIdent: Instant via video call.
• PostIdent: Visit a branch (often in Rewe or Baumärkte) with ID.

Step 4: Pay and Confirm

Pay via Lastschrift, Kreditkarte or PayPal. Get an email with Auftragsnummer instantly. Print your Bestätigung and update your Briefkasten name at the new place for smooth delivery.

In-Filiale Alternative

Fill a form at any Postfiliale or Poststelle. Longer opening hours (often samstags) make it flexible, but slightly pricier.

Laufzeit Options: Flexible or Fixed?

Standard for Umzüge: 6 months fixed. For Abwesenheit (Urlaub, Ausland): Flexible from 2 weeks to 6 months. Extendable? Yes, for intra-Germany moves – Deutsche Post contacts you 4 weeks before expiry for a discounted renewal (up to another 6 months). Longer needs a new order; 24 months available online only.

International Forwarding: No Extra Cost from Deutsche Post

Umzug abroad? Enter your foreign address – no surcharge from us. Local posts handle delivery and may add Nachentgelt. Perfect for expats via make-it-in-germany.com relocations.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Nachsendeauftrag

• Zeitplan: Order early – Eilaufträge cost more.
• Familien: One order covers all at the same addresses.
• Update Authorities: Inform Finanzamt, Krankenkasse and Arbeitsagentur separately via Elster or apps.
• Check Status: Track via your Auftragsnummer on deutschepost.de.
• Avoid Scams: Use only official Deutsche Post – third parties overcharge.
• Postfach: Works from/to Postfächer too.

"Achte auf die exakte Schreibweise beider Adressen. Bereits kleine Fehler können dazu führen, dass Deine Post nicht korrekt weitergeleitet wird."

Your Next Steps: Get Started Today

Ready to move without mail mishaps? Head to deutschepost.de, gather your docs and set it up in 10 minutes. Combine with Anmeldung at your new Bürgeramt within 14 days (per Bundesmeldegesetz). You'll thank yourself when that first Rentenversicherung letter arrives on time. Safe Umzug!