Germany: New Laws and Regulations in October 2025

October brings changes that will touch daily life in different ways, from how we transfer money and access healthcare to how non-EU nationals cross borders. Bank customers will notice new safeguards for money transfers, Microsoft bids farewell to Windows 10 and doctors must now use electronic patient records. The EU also introduces a new digital entry-exit system for non-EU citizens. And yes, We will get our “extra hour” back when the country switches to winter time. Here’s a round-up of what’s new this month:

Instant Bank Transfers Across the Eurozone

Starting 9 October, all banks across the Eurozone must offer real-time transfers, allowing money to move between accounts instantly — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since January 2025, EU law has required that banks be able to receive such transfers. Now, they must also ensure customers can send them. Importantly, these instant transfers cannot cost more than traditional bank transfers.

Stronger Consumer Protection for Transfers

Also from 9 October, new EU rules aim to better protect bank customers from fraud or mistakes when transferring money will take effect. Before approving a transfer within the Eurozone, banks will be obliged to check whether the recipient’s name matches the IBAN (account number) provided. Customers will be notified within seconds if the details don’t align and can then decide whether to proceed. This measure is designed to reduce cases where money is mistakenly sent to the wrong account or to fraudsters.

Windows 10 Support Ends

A major change for millions of computer users worldwide: Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 on 14 October. That means no more free updates or security patches for what has been the world’s most popular PC operating system. Without updates, users risk falling victim to new security vulnerabilities.

Those unwilling to upgrade still have one option: Microsoft is offering an Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for one additional year, costing both private and business users about 30 US dollars (27 euros).

EU to Launch New Digital Border System

The EU plans to roll out its new Entry/Exit System (EES) on 12 October. This digital platform will replace the traditional passport stamp for non-EU nationals entering or leaving the Schengen area. From that date, non-EU travellers will be required to provide biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images when crossing borders.

Designed to modernise the cumbersome process of passport stamping, the EES will capture biometric data — fingerprints, facial images along with travel document and entry/exit details — of non-EU nationals on short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period). By replacing manual entry logs with real-time digital records, the system aims to boost internal security, identify overstays and curb identity fraud.

To ease the transition, the EU has set a six-month adjustment period before the system becomes fully mandatory.

Electronic Patient Records Now Mandatory

From October, doctors, pharmacies and hospitals in Germany must use the electronic patient record (ePA) system. It connects insured persons with healthcare providers. New diagnoses and medical findings must be stored digitally in the ePA, which is designed to simplify document exchange between doctors, hospitals and pharmacies. Many processes that previously took place in analogue form will be digitized and simplified through the ePA.

Return of Winter Time

On 26 October, Germany will switch from daylight saving time back to winter time. At 3 am, clocks will be turned back one hour to 2 am – effectively giving people an “extra hour” of rest.

Hedge Cutting Allowed Again

From 1 October, homeowners and gardeners can once again cut back hedges, bushes and shrubs. The seasonal ban, in place since March to protect nesting birds and wildlife, officially ends.

READ ALSO Key Laws and Regulations from September 2025 in Germany