THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Like in every month, a series of new laws and regulations enter into effect in August. These changes will impact many aspects of daily life. Staying informed about these updates is crucial to understanding how they may affect you. Below is an overview of the key legal changes starting from August.
Digital Passport Photos Now Mandatory
From 1 August, applicants for new identity cards or passports must submit digital photos. Paper photos are no longer accepted. Photos must be taken at certified photo studios, selected drugstores or directly at government offices. They will be securely transmitted via encrypted cloud systems to prevent fraud and simplify the application process. The previous grace period for paper photos ended on 31 July 2025.
Higher Minimum Wage for Apprentices
Apprentices starting their training in August or September 2025 will receive a higher minimum wage of at least €682 gross per month in their first year — a €33 increase compared to 2024 starters.
Pension Increase Now Fully Applied
Retirees will now see the full benefit of their pension increase from earlier in the year. Due to a delay caused by a rise in long-term care insurance contributions, part of the increase had been withheld to cover these higher contributions. From August, pensioners will receive the full adjusted amount.
Rent Cap Extended Until 2029
The rent control policy (Mietpreisbremse), which limits excessive rent increases, has been extended through to the end of 2029. This gives tenants in high-demand areas continued protection against steep rent hikes.
Full-Day School Care Expansion Extended
The German government is extending its funding program for expanding full-day care in primary schools. Federal states now have until the end of 2029 to use the financial support. This extension helps schools prepare for the legal right to full-day care, which begins in stages from the 2026/2027 school year.
School Holidays Peak in First Week of August
All students in Germany are on summer break together for a brief period starting 1 August, when Bavaria also begins its holidays. However, schools in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia resume on 11 August.
Berlin–Hamburg Train Route Shut Down Until 2026
A major disruption affects train travel: the Berlin–Hamburg rail line will be completely closed from 1 August 2025 to April 2026 for extensive renovation. No passenger or cargo trains will run during this time. Deutsche Bahn (DB) has set up alternative routes and replacement bus services.
Tax Relief for Equipment and Electric Vehicles
To boost investment, businesses can now depreciate equipment purchases — like machinery and vehicles — at a faster rate of 30% annually if bought between July 2025 and December 2027. Electric vehicles bought during the same period are eligible for a 75% tax deduction in the purchase year. The price cap for tax-deductible electric company cars is also raised from €70,000 to €100,000.
Free Battery Disposal and QR Code Labels
From 18 August, residents can dispose of batteries for free at municipal recycling centres under a new EU regulation. Manufacturers must also gradually add QR codes to batteries, providing details on environmental impact and recyclability.
Stricter Cybersecurity Rules for Smart Devices
Smart gadgets sold in the EU from 1 August — including phones, smartwatches, baby monitors and connected toys — must meet strict cybersecurity standards. These wireless smart devices must come with factory-set individual passwords, encrypted connections and reliable software updates. These rules aim to close security gaps in the growing Internet of Things.
© AfricanCourierMedia
