Mail forwarding or digital change of address?
Mail forwarding (Nachsendeauftrag) is the classic option when moving – but it costs money, expires, and doesn't notify anyone. We compare both routes on price, duration and limits, and show when each solution is worth it.
What is mail forwarding (Nachsendeauftrag)?
Deutsche Post's mail-forwarding service automatically redirects letters addressed to your old address to your new one. You set it up online or at a branch; it starts at the earliest five working days after you order it and runs for a fixed period: 6, 12 or 24 months.
Prices for private individuals are around €32.90 for 6 months online, about €42.90 for 12 months and around €62.90 for 24 months. Ordering at a branch costs extra. The forwarding applies to letters only – parcels and shipments from other carriers (DHL parcels only with a separate service, Hermes, DPD, GLS, UPS) are not included. Items marked "do not forward" and official deliveries with a certificate of service are not forwarded either.
What does a digital change of address do?
A digital change of address doesn't redirect post – it updates your address wherever it's stored: directly at banks, insurers, utility providers, shops and subscription services. From then on, post goes straight to the right address from the start – permanently and without a detour. On top of that, you see in one go which contracts you no longer need, and can cancel them in the same step.
Side by side
| Criterion | Mail forwarding | Digital change of address |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | approx. €32.90 (6 months) to €62.90 (24 months) | €28.90 one-off, no subscription |
| How long it lasts | time-limited, ends after 6–24 months | permanent, the address is updated in the system |
| Sender knows the new address | no | yes |
| Parcels and other carriers | not included | covered once the provider has been informed |
| Contract cancellation possible | no | yes, in the same process |
| Control over your data | Deutsche Post knows both old and new address | you approve each recipient individually |
| Effort | about 10 minutes, one-off | a few minutes, one-off |
The limits of mail forwarding
The key point: mail forwarding postpones the problem, it doesn't solve it. As long as the forwarding order runs, post still arrives – but every sender still has your old address on file. Once the order expires after 6 or 12 months, bills, reminders and insurance documents end up back with the next tenant. That's exactly when it can get expensive.
On top of that, incorrect address details with your bank or insurer aren't just inconvenient. Contracts often require you to report a change of address without delay. And post sent to your last known address is often legally considered delivered – even if you never saw it.
Which route makes sense when
- Mail forwarding alone: useful for very short stays, interim rentals, or if you're moving again soon anyway.
- Digital change of address alone: the cheapest and most permanent solution, if you know your ongoing business relationships are covered.
- Both combined: the safest option. The digital change of address handles the actual switch, while mail forwarding catches stragglers for a few months.
Our recommendation
During the transition, mail forwarding is still useful – as a safety net, not a solution. The actual change of address should happen digitally: a one-off €28.90, permanently effective, and you decide for each individual recipient whether they get your new address.
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