Germany: Law & Society

Germany’s recent policy of turning back asylum-seekers at its borders has been dealt a legal blow, following a landmark ruling by the Berlin Administrative Court. The court decided that the rejection of three Somali nationals at the German-Polish border was unlawful, affirming that asylum-seekers must be processed according to EU law, specifically the Dublin Regulation. The case involved two men …

Several important legal and regulatory changes will take effect in Germany and across the European Union in June. These changes affect everything from taxes and consumer electronics to digital accessibility and maternity rights after pregnancy loss. Here’s an overview of the most important changes Tax Deadlines: What You Need to Know • 2 June 2025: Deadline to file your 2023 …

Just weeks after taking office, Germany’s new conservative-led coalition has begun rolling back progressive migration policies introduced under the previous SPD-led government. On Wednesday, the cabinet approved a bill that will suspend the right to family reunification for refugees with subsidiary protection status for the next two years This policy change will primarily affect Syrian refugees, who make up a …

Since its introduction in 2023, Germany’s Opportunity Residence Act has granted over 82,000 people with a suspended deportation order a path to legal status. A new government plan will tighten this scheme, but hope remains, reports Femi Awoniyi. Since January 2023, the Opportunity Residence Act (Chancen-Aufenthaltsrecht) has enabled people with a Duldung (tolerated stay) to receive an 18-month temporary residence …

Several important changes are taking effect across Germany in May 2025 that affect everyday life — from how passports and ID cards are issued to stricter recycling rules and new family name rights. The African Courier has summarised the most relevant updates here: Digital Photos for ID and Passport Applications Starting May 2025, anyone applying for a passport, national ID, …

Like every month, April 2025 brings several important legal changes affecting people living in Germany. These include the recognition of three new occupational diseases, adjustments to colon cancer screening rules, a lower threshold for parental benefits and new travel regulations for the UK, among others. Here’s a summary of the key changes. Relaxation of Germany’s Debt Brake One of the …

A series of new laws and regulations impacting various aspects of life Germany take effect in March 2025. From higher minimum wages for temporary workers to new travel options and the start of daylight saving time, here’s a summary of the key changes and important dates in the new month to keep in mind: 1. Higher Health Insurance Contributions for …

Several legal changes will take effect in Germany starting February 2025, impacting areas such as artificial intelligence, energy, salaries, television costs and elections. Here is an overview of the key changes: 1. Restrictions on Certain AI Applications As from 2February 2025, specific artificial intelligence systems will be prohibited due to concerns over fundamental rights. This includes AI technologies that manipulate …

From consumer rights to healthcare, the new year ushers in many significant changes for residents of Germany. In 2025, social security contributions, the minimum wage and housing benefits will all increase. Parents will also be able to deduct higher childcare expenses from their taxes. The introduction of the electronic patient file is set to transform healthcare, while a new recycling …

December 2024 brings new laws and regulations affecting people living in Germany. Among the key changes, the USB-C connector will become the standard for charging cables across the EU. Consumers will also benefit from improved information in the event of product recalls. Additionally, new protections for pregnant women will shield them from harassment by anti-abortion activists near medical facilities. Tax …

This November brings various new regulations impacting many aspects of life in Germany. These include updated laws on gender and name changes, the option to receive identification documents by post, reduction of bureaucracy and the introduction of the Economic Identification Number for self-employed individuals and businesses. Additionally, knives will be banned in public places and a group of asylum-seekers will …

October 2024 brings new laws and regulations in Germany. Among other things, students will receive more financial support, winter tyres with a particular symbol will be mandatory, a new set of questions will be introduced for the driving test, support will end for Windows 11 versions and tenants will be allowed to install balcony power plants without permission. Here is …

Like almost every month, September 2024 brings important changes, including new laws, that affect residents of Germany. For instance, building owners using gas heating must now have their systems inspected and stricter hand luggage rules for air travellers apply. Among others, a new feature will be introduced in health insurance apps and stricter emission standards for new vehicle registrations will …

August 2024 brings numerous changes affecting various aspects of everyday life in Germany. Here is a comprehensive overview of the most important changes. Submit your 2023 tax return on time! One of the most important deadlines in August concerns the submission of tax returns for 2023. Anyone who prepares their own taxes must submit their return by 2 September 2024. …

The reformed Citizenship Law entered into effect on 27 June 2024 and it’s expected to make it easier for foreign residents to become German nationals. Among the features of the legislation, the ‘Act on the Modernisation of Citizenship Law’ (das Gesetz zur Modernisierung des Staatsangehörigkeitsrechts (StARModG)), are that foreigners living legally in Germany will be able to apply for a …

The new month brings many changes that directly affect different areas of life in Germany. Pensions rise significantly, change of surnames now easier, breast cancer screening for older women, cannabis cultivation now allowed, black box to be mandatory for cars etc. Here’s an overview of all important changes in July 2024.   Pensions rise significantly Pensions will rise by 4.57 …

When government recognises paternity it grants right of residence in Germany to a foreign parent. This is the case when a woman without regular residency rights gives birth to a child and a man who has a German nationality or long-term residence permit in Germany is acknowledged as the father, the mother and child are granted regular residence permit. The …

Regulations and laws are constantly changing in Germany. June 2024, too, brings new ones that affect various areas of everyday life. For example, the plastic BahnCard will be a thing of the past, 16-17 year-olds will be allowed to vote in the European elections for the first time and foreigners will be able to naturalise more easily. Also, the new …

Almost every new month of the year brings new laws and regulations that affect various areas of everyday life. In May 2024, people living in Germany can once again expect important changes: higher minimum wages in elderly care, flights from Germany will become more expensive, new field added on identity cards etc. Here’s an overview of these and other new …

In April 2024, a number of new regulations and laws will come into force that will have an impact on various areas of life in Germany. What new laws are coming into force? What will change for you in your everyday life? We have summarised the important changes for you here. Normal VAT for gas and district heatingTo mitigate the …