Moving to Offenbach am Main: costs process, districts

The city centre around the market square impresses with short distances, cafés and the redeveloped Hafenviertel with modern new-build flats right on the Main. If you prefer it quieter, Bürgel and Rumpenheim offer village charm with half-timbered houses, while the Mathildenviertel with its Gründerzeit architecture is popular with young families and creatives.

The district of Bieber scores with detached houses and good motorway access, whereas the Rosenhöhe is considered a green residential area with villas and parks. Right on the border with Frankfurt lies the business location Kaiserlei, which is increasingly gaining importance as a residential area with high-rise apartments.

The housing market in Offenbach is regarded as an alternative to Frankfurt within the Rhine-Main region, with S-Bahn connections to the neighbouring city in a few minutes. The best way to check whether a rent is right is the city's current rent index (Mietspiegel). Well-known employers include the German Weather Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst) with its headquarters, Sana Klinikum Offenbach and the energy supplier EVO; the University of Art and Design (HfG) attracts creative minds.

The quality of life shows along the Main riverbank, in Büsingpark and in the cultural offering, for example at the German Leather Museum. The international population shapes the cityscape with restaurants and club life – one reason why families, students and commuters move to Offenbach.

These base prices apply to a move to Offenbach: a 1-room flat costs from €349, a 2-room flat from €589. For a 3-room flat we charge from €915, for a 4-room flat from €1,279. For houses and villas we prepare an individual quote. We charge long-distance moves from €4.10 per kilometre. You will find out the exact price after a free survey.

• Volume of belongings in cubic metres
• Number of kilometres (from €4.10/km), for example around 548 km from Berlin
• Floor in an older building without, or a new build with, a lift
• Need for a parking restriction zone (apply around 14 days in advance)
• Furniture assembly and part load as additional options

We are based in Berlin (Stromstraße 21) and operate nationwide. We describe the route from Berlin to Offenbach under Moving Berlin–Offenbach am Main; further destinations are shown in the locations overview and on the Long-distance moves page.

The City of Offenbach approves temporary no-parking zones for purposes including moves. The responsible body is the road traffic authority in the Office for Mobility at the Stadthaus, Berliner Straße 60, 63065 Offenbach. Processing is divided by surname: A to J 069 80654128, K to P 069 80652647, Q to Z 069 80652294. You apply using the city's PDF form. A photo or sketch of the location, for example with angled parking spaces or a marked parking strip, helps with choosing the signs.

This is what the city says about deadlines and costs:

• Lead time: Submit the application around 14 days before the closure begins; according to the city, approval usually takes a few working days.
• Costs: The order is free of charge for up to five days. Longer periods cost between 10.20 and 767.00 euros, depending on type and scope.
• Signs: The city does not supply signs. You receive a list of companies that rent out or put up signs; ask them directly for prices.
• Putting up: The signs must be in place three full days before the start, and the day they are put up does not count.

A separate application to the public order office (Ordnungsamt) is required for containers. How we take care of this for you is described under No-parking zone. More about the location: Removal company Offenbach am Main.

According to the City of Offenbach, you register at the citizens' office (Bürgerbüro), for which you need an appointment. Alternatively, the city offers online registration of residence: according to the city, this is possible without an appointment, provided you have an ID card or EU ID card with a PIN. Legally, the two-week deadline under § 17 (1) BMG applies.

The city also lists these points for new residents:

• Vehicle: Re-registration within one week at the citizens' office or online; you can ask about the residents' parking permit at the same time or apply for it online.
• Bulky waste: Book the free collection by phone on 069 840004-545; according to the city, it usually takes place within 14 days. A paid express collection within four days is possible.
• ID documents: Producing new documents takes three to four weeks.
• Post: Set up a mail forwarding request with Deutsche Post.

If you receive housing benefit (Wohngeld), the city says you should report the move promptly to the housing office; address changes for child benefit go to the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse).

Dates for bulky waste, registration and the no-parking zone fall close together, so a checklist is worthwhile. If a lot of household goods are left over when you move out, our clearance service can help. If you are coming from Frankfurt, you will find further tips in the guide Moving to Frankfurt am Main.