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 Nahles stated: “A trend reversal in the
News
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 1 (Stufe 1), is being
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 take effect before 2027.
€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 space. The program
€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 prices triggered by the
State-Subsidised ETF Savings Account [Riester 2.0]
Germany is replacing the Riester-Rente (Riester pension) with a new state-subsidized investment depot. You’ll be able to invest that subsidized money directly into ETFs. The Bundestag passed the Altersvorsorgereformgesetz (private
German Cities Can Join Anti-Extremism Alliances
German cities and municipalities may stay in alliances that fight right-wing extremism, as long as those alliances do not primarily serve to campaign against a specific political party. Germany’s highest
German Public Health Insurance Proposed Reforms
Originally published April 4, 2026. Updated July 12, 2026. The reform described below has since been passed into law. We have added the notes about each change under the relevant
8 Ways to Increase Your Monthly Net Income in Germany
Most people wait until the end of the year to get money back from the tax office via their annual tax return. But you don’t have to wait. The tax
Germany Plans to Abolish Free Health Insurance for Spouses
The German government is planning to end the free dependent health insurance for spouses (beitragsfreie Familienversicherung für Ehepartner). According to reporting by Handelsblatt, the coalition is discussing replacing free coverage