Moving house: phone and internet contract in Germany

The short answer

When you move, your provider must deliver the same service at your new home if it offers it there, with the same term and conditions. It may charge a reasonable fee, no higher than for a new connection (§ 60 TKG).

When you move, your provider may be able to take the service with you. If it cannot offer the same service at the new address, you may be able to end the contract. The rules for Germany are below.

Official source: gesetze-im-internet.de · Checked 2026-10-14

📜 The rules in Germany

The details

If the service is not offered at your new address, you can cancel with one month's notice, effective from your move-out date or later. (gesetze-im-internet.de)
Activation at the new home must happen on the day you expressly agreed. For outages and missed appointments the same compensation applies as for faults and switching. (gesetze-im-internet.de)
The continued-supply rule for switching does not apply to moving, so a longer interruption is possible. Tell your provider and place the moving order as early as possible. (bundesnetzagentur.de)
If your provider can serve your new address but you would rather choose a new provider there, you must keep paying the old contract until it ends. (bundesnetzagentur.de)

Schlichtungsstelle Telekommunikation der Bundesnetzagentur

Handles disputes when a provider rejects your special cancellation after a move, or sets a new minimum term without your consent.

🔗 bundesnetzagentur.de

Official source: bundesnetzagentur.de · Checked 2026-10-14

🪜 Step by step

Tell the provider earlyGive your moving date and new address, and ask whether the same service is available there.
Check what changesAsk whether the move restarts the minimum term, costs a fee or changes the speed or the price.
Book the connection in timeArrange the connection at the new home early, especially if a technician has to come.
End the contract if you need toIf the service is not available at the new address, ask in writing to end the contract under the rules for Germany.

📇 Who to contact

Schlichtungsstelle Telekommunikation der BundesnetzagenturHandles disputes when a provider rejects your special cancellation after a move, or sets a new minimum term without your consent.🔗 www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Vportal/Schlichtung/Schlichtung_TK/start.html

BundesnetzagenturSupervises phone and internet providers and explains your rightsFor information, and to report a provider that breaks the rules📞 0228 14 15 16 🔗 www.bundesnetzagentur.de/DE/Vportal/TK/start.html

VerbraucherzentraleIndependent advice for consumersFor advice, template letters and a second opinion🔗 www.verbraucherzentrale.de

❓ Questions

Does moving restart my minimum term?

Ask the provider in writing before you agree to anything new, and check the rules for Germany on this page.

What if the new home has no connection yet?

Ask the provider for the earliest possible date. A mobile internet plan can bridge the gap.

I am moving abroad. Can I end the contract?

Ask the provider and check your contract and the rules for Germany. Keep proof of your move.

📎 Sources

Checked: 2026-10-14

🧭 Is this still correct?

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📦 I am moving house: what happens to my internet contract in Germany?