Long-Term Care Insurance Reform
Germany’s Federal Ministry of Health published a draft law on June 4, 2026 to overhaul long-term care insurance. Here is what the Pflegeneuordnungsgesetz means for you as an expat.
News
Germany Introduces Surplus Solar Energy Sharing
From 1 June 2026, Germany’s new energy sharing law (§ 42c EnWG) allows solar panel owners to sell surplus electricity directly to neighbours in the same grid zone.
Germany’s Heating System Replacement Grant Covers Up to €21,000
Homeowners in Germany can receive up to €21,000 from the federal BEG programme to replace an old heating system with a climate-friendly alternative like a heat pump.
Deutsche Bahn Launches €99.99 Family Ticket for Summer
From mid-June 2026, Deutsche Bahn is selling a flat-rate family ticket (Familienticket) for €99.99. For that price, up to two adults and up to four children aged 6 to 14
German Pensions Will Rise 4.24% Starting 1 July 2026
From 1 July 2026, pensions in Germany rise by 4.24 percent. The pension value (Rentenwert) increases from €40.79 to €42.52, benefiting 21.5 million retirees.
Germany’s Unemployment Drops Below 3 Million
Germany’s unemployment count fell by 58,000 in May 2026 to 2.95 million people. The unemployment rate dropped to 6.3%. Despite the drop, the Federal Employment Agency’s chief described the spring
Germany Misses EU Pay Transparency Deadline
Germany is expected to miss the EU Pay Transparency Directive (Entgelttransparenzrichtlinie) deadline set on June 7, 2026. No draft law has been published. If Germany misses the deadline, the directive’s
Germany Shares Crypto Data with Foreign Tax Authorities
From January 1, 2026, crypto exchanges and other crypto asset service providers operating in Germany are required by law to report your transactions to the German tax authority. If you
Germany Plans Shift from 8-Hour Day to Weekly Work Cap
The CDU/CSU and SPD coalition is planning to replace Germany’s daily 8-hour working time limit with a weekly maximum — sparking opposition motions from the Greens and the Left party.
Germany to Buy 40% Stake in Tank Maker KNDS
The German federal government agreed to acquire a 40% stake in KNDS NV, the manufacturer of the Leopard 2 tank, at IPO — with a plan to reduce to 30% within two to three years.