Postfach

Postfach is a term used in German-speaking countries for a locked mailbox facility used to receive mail. It is typically operated by national postal authorities or private mail services and is assigned to a single customer. A Postfach is located at a post office or mail center rather than at the recipient’s home, and mail addressed to the Postfach is deposited there for the owner to collect.

Historically, centralized mail handling led to the use of Postfächer to improve privacy, security, and reliability. They are widely used by individuals who prefer to keep their residential address private or to manage multiple mail streams, and by businesses that want a dedicated, stable receiving address for correspondence, mail processing, or branch operations.

Types and availability vary by country. In Germany, Deutsche Post operates Postfächer, while Austria’s Österreichische Post and Switzerland’s Die Schweizerische Post offer comparable services. Public Postfächer are usually rented in fixed sizes and require identity verification. Some private mailbox providers also offer Postfach-style services. Delivery of large items or parcels to a Postfach is commonly limited; such items are often held for pickup or redirected, or handled by alternative services such as parcel lockers or counter delivery.

Access, costs, and services differ by operator. Rental fees are typically charged monthly or annually and depend on box size and access hours. Verification usually requires a valid photo ID and proof of local residence or business activity. Many operators provide additional options, such as mail forwarding, forwarding bursts, or digital mail handling, to complement physical mail.

In relation to other mail concepts, a Postfach is distinct from a home mailbox (Briefkasten) at a residence and from parcel lockers (Packstation); it serves as a centralized mail reception point for individuals or organizations.