German president to relocate as Bellevue Palace undergoes major renovations

Sunday 04 January 2026 - 12:15

By: Sahili Aya

German president to relocate as Bellevue Palace undergoes major renovations

Germany’s official presidential residence, Bellevue Palace in Berlin, will soon undergo extensive renovations, prompting President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his 220 staff members to relocate temporarily. The exact timeline and costs of the refurbishment are still being evaluated by the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning.

In March, the president and his team are scheduled to move to a newly built temporary facility near the Chancellery and Berlin’s main railway station. The €205 million ($240 million) site will later be used by federal authorities.

According to the president’s office, the renovation is necessary due to structural and technical defects, as well as updated requirements for fire safety, security, energy efficiency, and accessibility. Bellevue Palace suffers from a leaking roof, faulty ventilation, non-bulletproof windows, façade cracks, and corroded ceilings. Meanwhile, the neighboring Office of the President, completed in 1998, requires modernization of its fire safety systems and supply infrastructure.

While the president of Germany serves a largely ceremonial role, the renovations reflect the importance of maintaining the historical and functional integrity of the country’s key government buildings.