Setting Up Mail Forwarding (Nachsendeauftrag) with Post.at
Missing an official letter from the Finanzamt or the Magistrat 35 because it was delivered to a dusty mailbox at your previous apartment is a nightmare every foreigner in Austria fears. I remember the panic of realization during my first move from the 10th district to the 2nd when I found out my residence permit notification was sitting in a lobby I no longer had the keys to. This guide solves the headache of missed correspondence by walking you through the Nachsendeauftrag process with Post.at, ensuring your transition between Austrian homes is legally and administratively seamless.
Understanding the Nachsendeauftrag: Why It Is Crucial for Expats
When you move within Austria, your focus is likely on the physical labor of hauling boxes into a classic Altbau or a sleek new Neubau. However, the administrative trail you leave behind is far more significant than any piece of furniture. In Austria, many critical services still rely heavily on physical mail. Whether it is your social insurance provider or your employer sending documents, a break in the chain of communication can lead to fines, missed deadlines, or even status issues with your residency. The Nachsendeauftrag, or mail forwarding order, is a service provided by the Austrian Post (Österreichische Post AG) that redirects mail from your old address to your new one for a specified period.
It is vital to understand that while a Nachsendeauftrag is incredibly helpful, it is not a substitute for your legal obligations. In Austria, the law requires you to update your registration within three days of moving. You must complete The Meldezettel Process: Registering Your Address Legally as your primary step. The forwarding order acts as a safety net, catching the mail from companies or individuals who haven’t yet updated their databases with your new location.
The Hidden Dangers of Return to Sender in Austria
In many countries, if a letter cannot be delivered, it might sit in a pile or eventually be discarded. In the highly regulated Austrian system, mail that is marked "unverzichtbar" (indispensable) or simply cannot be delivered is often returned to the sender with a specific status code. If a government agency like the MA 35 receives a "Return to Sender" notification for an expat, they may assume you have left the country without de-registering. This can trigger a series of bureaucratic red flags that are exhausting to resolve.
By setting up a forwarding order, you prevent these "Return to Sender" scenarios. When the postman sees your name at the old address, the system automatically redirects the envelope to your new residence. This gives you a buffer of several months to manually update your address with every subscription, bank, and government portal you use. Believe me, having that extra time is a lifesaver when you are busy trying to figure out how to set up your new kitchen or find the nearest U-Bahn station.
Differentiating Between Regular Mail and Official RSa and RSb Letters
Austria has a unique system for "Official Documents" known as RSa and RSb letters. These are highly sensitive, blue or white envelopes that require a signature and proof of delivery. An RSa letter (blue) can only be delivered to the person named on the envelope, while an RSb letter (white) can be handed to another adult in the household.
The Nachsendeauftrag generally covers these official letters, but there is a catch. Some government offices explicitly mark their mail with a "Do Not Forward" instruction (Nachsendung unzulässig). In these rare cases, the mail will go back to the authority even if you have an active forwarding order. This is why it is imperative to use the forwarding period to update your details at the source. For example, if you are expecting tax documents, ensure you are Logging into FinanzOnline with the ID Austria App to change your address digitally as soon as possible.
How to Set Up Your Mail Forwarding Order Step-by-Step
Setting up your Nachsendeauftrag is relatively straightforward, but it requires precision. You can choose to do this either online through the Post.at portal or in person at any Postfiliale (post office). Regardless of the method, you should aim to set this up at least five to seven working days before your actual move date to ensure there is no gap in service.
Before you start, make sure you have the exact formatting of your new address. Austrian addresses can be tricky, involving house numbers, staircase numbers (Stiege), and door numbers (Tür). If you provide an incomplete address, the forwarding system will fail. You can refer to our guide on Correctly Formatting an Austrian Address for International Mail to make sure you get it right.
Option 1: The Digital Route via the Post.at Portal
The most convenient way to handle this is online. You will need to create a "Meine Post" account on the official Post.at website. If you already have a verified digital identity, the process is even smoother. Most expats now use the national digital ID system, so ID Austria and E-government Tools for Foreign Residents will be your best friend here.
Once logged in, look for the "Nachsendeservice" section. You will be asked to enter your old address, your new address, and the names of all family members who are moving with you. Each person must be listed to ensure their specific mail is caught by the filter. After entering the data, you will choose the duration and pay via credit card, EPS, or PayPal. A verification letter is then sent to your old address with a code that you must enter online to activate the service. This is a security measure to prevent people from maliciously redirecting someone else's mail. If you have already moved out and cannot access your old mailbox, this becomes much more difficult, so plan ahead!
Option 2: The Traditional In-Person Filing at the Post Office
If you prefer the "human touch" or if your online verification is hitting a wall, you can visit any post office. You will need to bring a valid form of identification (Passport or Aufenthaltstitel) and the details of both addresses. The clerk will provide you with a form to fill out.
The advantage of the in-person method is that you can ask specific questions about your district. If you are moving to a remote area in Tyrol or a busy district in Vienna, the local clerk might have insights into delivery patterns. While you are there, it is also a good time to learn about the "Yellow Slip" system. If a forwarded letter requires a signature and you aren't home, the postman will leave a notification. You can find more details on this in our article Missed a Post.at Delivery? Where to Find Your Yellow Slip.
Costs, Durations, and Important Exclusions You Must Know
Mail forwarding in Austria is not a free service, but it is reasonably priced considering the protection it offers. The cost depends on the duration you choose and whether the forwarding is within Austria or to a foreign country. For most expats moving within the city or to a neighboring state, a 3-month or 6-month order is standard.
| Duration | Forwarding Within Austria | Forwarding Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | Approx. €14.90 | Approx. €24.00 |
| 3 Months | Approx. €21.90 | Approx. €39.00 |
| 6 Months | Approx. €32.90 | Approx. €65.00 |
| 12 Months | Approx. €54.90 | Approx. €115.00 |
Note: Prices are subject to annual adjustments by Post.at and may vary slightly in 2026.
Pricing Structure and the Benefit of Extended Periods
I generally recommend the 6-month option for expats. Why? Because many Austrian companies operate on a quarterly or semi-annual billing cycle. If you only set up forwarding for one month, you might miss your quarterly electricity adjustment from Wien Energie or your semi-annual insurance statement. By the time the next bill is generated, your forwarding has expired, and the mail goes to your old landlord, who might not be as helpful as you’d hope.
Furthermore, if you are self-employed or a freelancer, your mail volume is likely higher. You must ensure your business correspondence reaches you so you can How to Request Your First Tax Number (Steuernummer) or handle VAT filings without interruption. The peace of mind for the extra €10 is well worth the investment.
Why Private Couriers and Amazon Are Not Included
This is the biggest "gotcha" for newcomers. A Nachsendeauftrag with Post.at only applies to mail handled by the Austrian Post. In the modern world, a huge chunk of our deliveries comes via private carriers like DHL, DPD, UPS, or Amazon's own delivery service. These companies do not share databases with Post.at.
If you order a package from Amazon and forget to change your default address, the Post.at forwarding order will not catch it. The package will be delivered to your old doorstep or a nearby "Pick-up Station" linked to that private carrier. This is a common way expats lose packages during a move. You must manually update your address in every shopping app and courier profile you have. This includes food delivery apps, as there is nothing more frustrating than paying for a pizza that gets delivered to your old apartment three districts away.
Pro-Tips for a Flawless Transition and Addressing Scams
Beyond the technical setup, there are a few "pro-tips" from someone who has moved five times in ten years across three different Austrian states. First, always take a photo of your mailbox at the old apartment before you leave. Ensure your name tag is removed once the forwarding is active. If your name stays on the old box, the postman might get confused and ignore the forwarding instruction, thinking you are still living there.
Second, be aware that when you move, you aren't just moving your mail; you are moving your entire financial "footprint." You will need to coordinate with various institutions. If you are a student, check Opening an Austrian Bank Account: Requirements and Top Banks to see if your bank offers a moving service. If you are working, you must also follow the Exact Steps to Notify Your Employer of a Krankenstand and other HR-related address updates to ensure your Lohnzettel (payslip) reaches the right place.
Updating Your Digital Identity and Address Registries
Once your physical mail is redirected, turn your attention to the digital world. Austria is rapidly digitizing its infrastructure. Use your ID Austria to check the Central Residence Register (ZMR). If you are moving away from the country entirely, the process is different and requires Deregistering from the ORF-Beitrag When Moving Abroad as well as Closing Bank Accounts and Contracts When Leaving Austria to avoid ongoing fees.
Don't forget your health insurance. Whether you are with ÖGK or SVS, they need your new address to send your annual health check invitations or new e-cards. You can find out more about these entities in our guide Navigating Social Insurance: ÖGK, SVS, and BVAEB Overview. If the insurance provider has the wrong address, you might miss critical updates about your coverage or co-insurance for family members.
Protecting Yourself from Fake Mail Forwarding Portals
A word of caution: when searching for "Nachsendeauftrag" on Google, be very careful about which link you click. There are several "service providers" that look like the official Post.at website but are actually third-party agencies. They will charge you a "processing fee" that can be double or triple the actual cost of the post office service. They simply take your data and then fill out the official form for you.
Always ensure you are on the official post.at domain. The official site will never ask for "administrative surcharges" beyond the standard rates listed in the table above. If a site looks overly colorful or asks for a subscription fee just to "manage" your move, it is likely a scam or an overpriced middleman. Stick to the official channels to keep your data and your money safe.
Mandatory Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. While we strive to keep the information up to date and correct, regulations regarding mail forwarding, government correspondence, and postal fees in Austria can change frequently. We recommend checking the official Post.at website or visiting a local post office for the most current rates and terms of service. The author and the website are not responsible for any missed mail, legal repercussions, or financial losses resulting from the use of this guide.
