Moving to Cologne: Costs Process & Districts

Cologne is divided into 9 boroughs and 86 districts, which locals call “Veedel”. On the left bank of the Rhine lie Innenstadt, Rodenkirchen, Lindenthal, Ehrenfeld, Nippes and Chorweiler; on the right bank Porz, Kalk and Mülheim, which is also where Deutz with the trade fair grounds is located. Ehrenfeld includes the Veedel of the same name, Lindenthal includes Sülz and Braunsfeld among others, Rodenkirchen includes Marienburg on the banks of the Rhine, and Nippes also includes Niehl with the Ford plant. Which Veedel suits you depends on your commute, schools and budget. For the move, the street matters most: narrow streets of period buildings almost always need a parking restriction zone, high-rises a free lift. We clarify these points with you before the quote. If your lorry arrives via the Ostring, Mülheim, Kalk and Deutz are closest; for Veedel on the left bank, it crosses one of the Rhine bridges. For families, the route to school and light rail connections matter; for commuters, proximity to the A1, A3 or A4.

The Cologne housing market is considered tight; current comparative rents are given in the city's rent index (Mietspiegel), and we do not quote specific prices per square metre here. If you start looking early and are flexible about location, you will find something more easily. Cologne is home to companies such as Ford, Lanxess and Lufthansa as well as broadcasters such as RTL and WDR, plus the University of Cologne and TH Köln (University of Applied Sciences). Only sign the tenancy agreement once the moving date can also be planned – or store furniture in Berlin until the flat is free. How we plan your private move is described on the service page. Notice in Berlin, a parking restriction with three weeks' lead time and registration within 14 days are best planned backwards from moving-in day; the City of Cologne's rules are listed further down. Moves are not permitted on Sundays and public holidays in NRW.

Transparency comes first for us: we move 1-room flats from €375 and 2-room flats from €615. For 3-room flats we charge from €915, for 4-room flats from €1,329. A house or villa requires an individual quote, while long-distance moves are charged from €4.10/km. Arrange a free survey now to clarify all the details.

• Moving volume: the more belongings, the higher the price
• Distance: from €4.10/km
• Floor and lift situation
• Parking restriction zone if needed
• Additional options: furniture assembly, part load

We plan moves from Berlin (Stromstraße 21), including to North Rhine-Westphalia. The locations overview shows places with their own pages; for long routes, read more under Long-distance moves.

If the removal van cannot easily be parked in Cologne because of local conditions, according to the City of Cologne you need an exemption permit under § 46 StVO. Private individuals and removal companies are entitled to apply, and the permit generally applies to one vehicle.

• Application: online form, printed form or informal application with name, address, contact details, moving date, duration, description of the location and length of the zone. You do not need to attend in person.
• Lead time: submit the application at least three weeks before the moving date.
• Length and signs: for a 7.5-tonne lorry, the city states around 15 metres. The zone must be in place 96 hours beforehand. You obtain the two portable signs yourself from a specialist company.
• Fees: 36 euros for the first day, 18 euros for each additional day. If needed, there is also 14 euros for an external lift and 48 euros plus 6 euros travel costs for a site inspection.
• Sundays and public holidays: according to the NRW Public Holidays Act, furniture moves are generally prohibited on these days.

The city answers questions on 0221 / 221-26387 or at [email protected]. You pay the fees after receiving the permit, using the payment reference stated in it. If the zone is blocked by parked cars despite the signs, according to the city you should contact the service line of the public order and traffic service, whose number is given in the permit; on Saturdays it can only be reached from 9 am. How we support you with planning is described on our page on the parking restriction zone.

If someone moves to Cologne or within the city, according to the City of Cologne a deadline of 14 days after moving in applies. You register online via the service portal or at a customer centre of your choice. There are nine locations, including Innenstadt, Ehrenfeld and Porz. Registration is free of charge.

• Appointments: on Mondays and Wednesdays you can visit without an appointment. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays you need an appointment, which you book at termine.stadt-koeln.de.
• Documents: identity card, passport if you have one, and the landlord confirmation (Wohnungsgeberbescheinigung). According to the city, a tenancy agreement or an informal letter is not sufficient.
• Landlord confirmation: landlords must issue it within two weeks of moving in. The moving-in date must not be in the future.
• Moving from abroad: in this case you must always attend in person.
• Without a visit: with online re-registration there is no need to attend in person, and you receive the address sticker for your ID card by post. Otherwise, anyone who does not attend in person needs a signed registration form and a power of attorney. Foreign nationals also bring their national passport and, where applicable, residence documents.
• Vehicle: according to the city, changing the address in the vehicle registration certificate costs 10.80 euros; changing the address on your identity card is free of charge.

Read more about everyday life in the city in our living guide for Cologne; our services for Cologne can be found under Moving Cologne.