Mail and Parcels in Germany — Deutsche Post, DHL & Co.

The German postal system

Deutsche Post is responsible for letters, DHL (a subsidiary of Deutsche Post) for parcels. Additionally, there are private parcel services such as Hermes, DPD, GLS, and UPS.

Letter delivery

Important: Government letters almost always arrive by mail. Check your mailbox daily — especially after registering with the local authorities, as your tax ID and other important documents arrive by post.

Receiving and sending parcels

Parcels can be dropped off and picked up at post offices, parcel shops (kiosks, gas stations), or at Packstations.

Packstation — 24/7 parcel pickup

DHL operates over 12,000 Packstations throughout Germany. Benefits:

• Free — registration via DHL app or Post & DHL App
• Open 24 hours — ideal for working professionals
• Pickup via app — scan QR code, compartment opens
• Send parcels — simply insert prepaid parcels

Tip: If you provide your Packstation address when ordering, you'll avoid missed delivery attempts.

Nachsendeauftrag — mail forwarding

If you're moving, you should set up a Nachsendeauftrag (mail forwarding):

• Online: nachsendeauftrag.de or in the Post & DHL App
• Cost: approximately 29.90 € for 12 months (private individuals)
• Duration: mail is forwarded to your new address for up to 24 months
• Important: applies only to Deutsche Post/DHL — not to Hermes, DPD, etc.

Einschreiben — proof for important letters

For important documents (termination letters, deadlines, appeals), use an Einschreiben:

• Einschreiben Standard (2.95 €) — recipient signs
• Einschreiben Einwurf (2.65 €) — delivery person documents the drop-off
• Einschreiben Rückschein (5.15 €) — you receive a signed confirmation back

Practical tips

• Label your mailbox — your name must be on the mailbox, otherwise mail won't be delivered
• Delivery notification — if a parcel cannot be delivered, a notification card will be in your mailbox. The parcel waits 7 business days at the branch.
• Customs for parcels from abroad — for shipments from outside the EU, customs duties and import sales tax apply from 150 € onwards

As of: March 2026. All information without warranty.