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Moving

Set up mail forwarding: deadlines, costs, tips

When you move, mail almost always keeps arriving at the old address. A forwarding order redirects it to your new home — if set up in time. What you need to know.

Updated August 2026 · 6 minutes read

Moving boxes in a hallway with letters and a yellow forwarding order card on top

What a forwarding order does

Deutsche Post's forwarding order (Nachsendeauftrag) redirects mail addressed to your old address to the new one. It covers the people and name variants listed in the order — for example with and without first name, or after a name change through marriage.

A letter follows an arrow from an old house to a new house, with a calendar beside
The forwarding order redirects mail from the old to the new address — starting from the date you choose.

Deadlines and duration

  • Setting it up: Possible until shortly before the move; one to two weeks' lead time is safer so the order kicks in on the key date.
  • Duration: Usually 6 or 12 months, extendable. Prefer the longer option — some senders (insurers, authorities, clubs) write only once a year.
  • Costs: The service is paid; the price depends on the duration. Deutsche Post lists current prices on its website.

What a forwarding order doesn't replace

The order is a safety net, not a change of address. Three reasons to notify senders directly anyway:

  1. Delay: Forwarded letters take several days longer — critical for deadline mail (invoices, reminders, official letters).
  2. Gaps: Parcels, specially marked registered mail and items from other carriers are not always redirected.
  3. Expiry: After the duration ends, mail goes to the old address again — and may end up with the new tenant.
Moving boxes with letters, a yellow forwarding order and house keys
The forwarding order catches mail — but inform the most important senders directly anyway.

Checklist: notify these senders directly

  • Employer, health insurance, tax office, pension insurance
  • Bank, insurers, electricity and internet providers
  • Clubs, subscriptions, online shops with a stored address
  • Vehicle registration and residents' registration office (re-registration is mandatory anyway)

A short standard letter is enough — find a template and more tips in the guide change of address after moving. You can write and send the letter directly in the letter editor.

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