Bundesrat Blocks €1,000 Tax-Free Employer Bonus
The Bundesrat rejected the 9th amendment to the Steuerberatungsgesetz on May 8, 2026. The planned €1,000 tax-free employer bonus is now on hold. A mediation committee...
Germany Digitizes Property Buying Process
The Bundestag voted on May 7, 2026 to digitalize the execution of real estate contracts in Germany. From January 1, 2027, notaries must exchange all documents with...
Merz’s One Year in Office
After one year in office, Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition government has achieved the following What the energy cost reductions mean for you The main...
German Unemployment at 3 Million in April 2026
Germany’s labor market showed no sign of improvement in April 2026. The Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA) reported 3.008 million unemployed. BA Chairwoman Andrea...
Pay Rise For Federal Civil Servants in Germany
From 1 May 2026, federal civil servants (Bundesbeamte) in Germany will receive higher salaries under the federal pay scale restructuring. The lowest pay grade, step...
Germany’s New Building Energy Rules
Germany must transpose the EU’s revised energy performance directive (Gebäudeeffizienzrichtlinie, or EPBD) into national law by 29 May 2026. The vehicle for...
No More Free Spouse Health Insurance
The German Cabinet approved the GKV-Beitragssatzstabilisierungsgesetz (BStabG) on 29 April 2026. The law targets €15.6 billion in savings across public health...
German Public Health Insurance Heading For a €40bn Annual Deficit
Germany’s public health insurance system (GKV) closed 2025 with a €0.6 billion shortfall. The gap is set to grow into the tens of billions unless reforms...
€30,000 Grant to Convert Empty Offices into Homes
From July 1, 2026, property investors and owners can apply for a federal grant of up to €30,000 per new residential unit created by converting vacant commercial...
€1,000 Tax-free Bonus And Fuel Tax Cut
Germany’s ruling coalition agreed on April 13, 2026 the two measures to offer relief mid energy crisis. Both measures are a direct response to rising fuel...