Germany: New laws and regulations from November 2026

Faster recognition of foreign medical qualifications, tighter rules on small loans, new charges on some imported parcels and changes to rail travel are among the developments affecting residents and businesses. November brings a range of legal and regulatory changes in Germany. The changes reflect Germany’s continuing efforts to modernise administration, strengthen consumer protection, attract international expertise and adapt its regulatory framework to technological and economic developments. For residents, the practical lesson is to stay informed and pay attention to the deadlines and requirements that apply to their individual circumstances. The following guide explains the main changes, when they take effect and what they mean in practical terms.

Faster recognition of foreign medical qualifications

Germany is taking steps to make it easier and quicker for internationally trained medical professionals to have their qualifications recognised.

The changes affect doctors, dentists, pharmacists and midwives whose professional qualifications were obtained outside Germany. Previously, many applicants faced lengthy and complicated recognition procedures, involving extensive documentation and assessments of their training and professional experience.

Under the new arrangements, the procedures are to become faster, simpler and more digital. This is particularly relevant to qualified medical professionals from African countries and elsewhere who wish to work in Germany.

However, faster recognition does not mean lower professional standards. Applicants must still meet the required professional and patient-safety standards. The aim is to reduce unnecessary administrative delays, not to compromise the quality of medical care.

What this means: Foreign-trained medical professionals should benefit from more efficient procedures. Those interested in practising in Germany should nevertheless check the specific requirements of the relevant recognition authority in the federal state where they intend to work.

➤ Further information: Federal Government – Faster recognition of foreign medical qualifications.

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Research sector opens up to international talent

Germany is reforming its Science Freedom Act (Wissenschaftsfreiheitsgesetz) to make the country more attractive to international researchers and highly qualified specialists.

The reform introduces greater flexibility in remuneration and makes it easier for research institutions to access funding. It is intended to reduce administrative obstacles and help German research institutions compete internationally for leading scientists and other highly skilled professionals.

This is important because research institutions increasingly compete globally for talent. International researchers often have several options when deciding where to pursue their careers. Flexible employment conditions, competitive remuneration and access to research funding can influence those decisions.

What this means: International scientists, including African researchers, may find improved opportunities within Germany’s research institutions. The reform is also intended to make it easier for universities and research organisations to recruit and retain highly qualified staff.

➤ Further information: Federal Government – Reform of the Science Freedom Act.

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Better access to debt counselling services

People experiencing financial difficulties will benefit from stronger access to independent debt counselling services. Germany is implementing European Union requirements designed to ensure that consumers who are struggling to meet their financial obligations can obtain appropriate advice and assistance.

Debt counselling services help people understand their financial situation, assess outstanding debts, communicate with creditors and explore ways of managing or restructuring their repayments. This is particularly important for people who have accumulated debts through loans, credit cards, unpaid bills or instalment purchases. Financial difficulties can quickly become overwhelming, especially when several creditors are involved.

The new rules strengthen the role of non-profit and independent debt counselling organisations. They are intended to make it easier for people who are in financial difficulty, or at serious risk of falling into it, to obtain professional support.

What this means: People struggling with debt should seek advice early rather than waiting until they receive repeated payment reminders or enforcement notices. Independent debt counselling can help them understand their options before their financial situation deteriorates further.

➤ Further information: German Bundestag – Better access to debt counselling services.

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Tighter consumer protection for small loans and ‘Buy now, pay later’ schemes

One of the most important changes for consumers takes effect on 20 November 2026. The new rules extend consumer credit protection to smaller loans and payment arrangements that were previously subject to fewer safeguards.

The changes particularly concern so-called ‘Buy now, pay later’ (BNPL) services, offered by providers such as PayPal and Klarna. These services allow customers to purchase goods immediately and pay later, either in one instalment or through several smaller payments.

Although convenient, such arrangements can encourage people to spend money they do not have. A consumer who makes several small purchases on credit may gradually accumulate significant repayment obligations without fully appreciating the total amount owed.

What changes from 20 November?

Previously, certain small loans of up to €200 and short-term, interest-free credit arrangements were excluded from important consumer credit protection requirements.

Under the new rules:

• Creditworthiness checks: Providers must assess whether customers are financially capable of repaying the credit before granting it.
• Greater transparency: Customers must receive clearer information about the terms, costs and risks of credit arrangements.
• Small loans included: Credit arrangements of up to €200, certain interest-free loans and short-term credit agreements are brought within the expanded consumer protection framework.
• Digital agreements recognised: Consumer credit agreements can generally be concluded in text form, such as by email or digital confirmation. A handwritten signature on paper is no longer always necessary.

The changes may also mean that customers who already have several outstanding instalment purchases could find it harder to obtain additional credit. A provider may reject an application if its assessment indicates that the customer could struggle to repay.

What this means: Consumers should not assume that a small purchase paid for later is financially harmless. Before choosing an instalment arrangement, calculate the total outstanding payments and consider whether they can comfortably be met from your income. The purpose of the new rules is to prevent consumers from accumulating debts they cannot afford to repay.

➤ Further information: Federal Government – Stronger consumer protection in credit agreements.

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Digitalisation of property transactions

Buying or selling property in Germany can involve considerable paperwork and communication between notaries, public authorities and courts.

New rules are intended to make these procedures faster and more efficient through greater digitalisation.

Notaries, government authorities and courts will increasingly be able to exchange documents using a common digital file standard. This should reduce the need to transfer information repeatedly between paper and electronic formats.

The objective is to reduce administrative delays and make the processing of property transactions more efficient.

What this means: People buying or selling property in Germany may eventually benefit from smoother administrative procedures. The changes are primarily directed at the institutions involved in processing and registering property transactions, rather than changing the basic legal requirements for buying a home.

➤ Further information: Federal Government – Digitalisation of property transactions.

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Debt enforcement procedures become more digital

Germany is also modernising procedures relating to compulsory debt enforcement (Zwangsvollstreckung). Debt enforcement is the legal process through which creditors can enforce payment of debts, for example through the seizure of assets or the garnishment of wages or bank accounts, where the legal requirements are met.

Under the new arrangements, documents required in enforcement proceedings can increasingly be transmitted electronically instead of being exchanged in paper form. Machine-readable data will also be used more extensively. The aim is to reduce administrative work, speed up communication and make the justice system more efficient.

What this means: The changes mainly affect courts, enforcement authorities, lawyers and other institutions involved in debt recovery. They do not mean that debts can be collected without following the applicable legal procedures or that consumers lose their rights to challenge unlawful enforcement measures.

➤ Further information: Federal Government – Digitalisation of debt enforcement.

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Deutsche Bahn makes its family ticket permanent

Families travelling within Germany will have another option for reducing the cost of long-distance train journeys. Following the positive response to its summer promotion, Deutsche Bahn is making its family ticket (Familienticket) a permanent offer from 1 November 2026.

The ticket is designed for groups of up to five people: one or two adults aged 15 or older and up to four children aged between six and 14. It covers a return journey within Germany on Deutsche Bahn’s long-distance services. Seat reservations for the five passengers are included.

The offer is particularly useful for families planning visits to relatives, holidays or trips between German cities.

What this means: Families should compare the family ticket with the normal fares before booking, as the most economical option will depend on the number of passengers, route and travel date.

➤ Further information and booking: Deutsche Bahn – Family Ticket.

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Deutschlandticket: Passengers must actively accept the new price

The Deutschlandticket, which allows passengers to use local and regional public transport throughout Germany, will become more expensive from 1 January 2027. The monthly price will increase from €63 to €66.80. This is the first adjustment under the price index agreed by Germany’s transport ministers.

The ticket remains valid for local and regional transport, including buses, trams, underground trains, S-Bahn services and regional trains. It does not normally cover long-distance services such as ICE, IC and EC trains.

An important point for existing subscribers is that the new price will not simply be applied automatically in every case. Customers must actively agree to continue their subscription under the new price and accompanying tariff conditions.

The exact procedure and deadline may depend on the transport company through which the subscription was purchased. Deutsche Bahn subscribers, for example, have been advised to give their consent by 30 November 2026. Other providers may have different arrangements.

What this means: Anyone holding a Deutschlandticket subscription should check their email, customer account or app for a notification from their transport provider. Those who do not wish to pay the new price should check the applicable cancellation conditions and deadlines.

➤ Further information: Federal Government – Deutschlandticket.

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Additional charges on parcels from outside the EU

People ordering goods online from countries outside the European Union, such as on Temu, should take note of a new customs processing charge.

From 1 November 2026, a €2 processing fee will be imposed on qualifying parcels containing online purchases imported into the EU from non-EU countries, where the shipment value does not exceed €150.

This charge is additional to the €3 flat-rate customs duty that has applied since July 2026. The new €2 fee is calculated per customs product category within a parcel, rather than necessarily being a single charge for the entire shipment.

For example, a parcel containing goods classified under two different customs categories may attract two separate processing charges.

The measure forms part of wider EU efforts to regulate the large volume of low-value online imports, improve customs enforcement and create fairer competitive conditions for European retailers.

What this means: Consumers ordering inexpensive goods from online marketplaces based outside the EU should expect additional charges. The final cost of an order may therefore be higher than the advertised purchase price and delivery fee.

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Euro 7 emissions standard begins for new vehicle types

The new Euro 7 vehicle emissions standard begins its phased introduction on 29 November 2026.

Initially, the requirements will apply to new type approvals for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. This means that manufacturers seeking approval for new vehicle types must meet the applicable Euro 7 requirements.

The standard is designed to reduce harmful emissions and also introduces requirements concerning particles from brakes and tyres, as well as battery durability in electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Importantly, the November 2026 start date does not mean that every car already on the road must immediately comply with the new standard. Existing vehicles are not automatically required to be replaced or upgraded because of this change.

What this means: The immediate impact is primarily on vehicle manufacturers and the approval of new models. The requirements will be extended to further categories of new vehicles in subsequent stages.

➤ Further information: Federal Government – New Euro 7 emissions standard.

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This overview is based on information published by the German Federal Government and other official and specialist sources. It is intended as general information, not individual legal or financial advice. Some measures are being introduced in stages, and the precise procedures may vary between federal states and service providers.

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