January 2025 changes in Germany. Life in Germany. January 2025 will bring several important changes for people living in Germany, including Romanians. These updates include higher wages, tax adjustments, the introduction of an electronic patient card, and a new price for the Deutschlandticket transport pass. Here’s what will change in daily life starting next year.
Starting January 2025, Germany will introduce several important changes that will impact daily life for its citizens. These updates include higher minimum wages, tax reforms, adjustments in public transport, and improved administrative services. While these changes cover different areas, they share a common goal: to better meet the needs of a modern society and economy, bringing both opportunities and challenges for everyone.
Public holidays at the beginning of the year
The new year kicks off with New Year’s Day, a public holiday celebrated across Germany. On January 6, residents of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony-Anhalt will also observe Three Kings’ Day (Dreikönigstag), which is a public holiday only in these states. In the rest of Germany, it remains a regular working day.
Read also: Maximize Your Time Off: Long Weekends in Germany for 2025
Changes in benefits, taxes and wages from January 1, 2025
- The minimum hourly wage rises from €12.41 to €12.82.
- Apprentice allowances increase by 4.7% to €649 per month.
- The non-taxable income threshold goes up to €12,096 per year.
- Child benefit (Kindergeld) rises by €5 to €255 per month, with an immediate supplement (Kindersofortzuschlag) increasing to €25 per month for low-income families.
- High-income earners will pay more in social security: the pension contribution limit rises to €8,050 per month, and the health and long-term care contribution limit increases to €5,512.50 per month.
Property tax reform
The long-awaited property tax reform takes effect in January, but the calculation methods will differ across regions. According to FOCUS, property owners should familiarize themselves with the new rules specific to their federal state.
Fuel and transport price increases
The CO₂ tax will increase from €45 to €55 per tonne, raising fuel prices by about 2.4 cents per liter. Additionally, the Deutschlandticket for unlimited local public transport will rise from €49 to €58 per month. Subscribers will need to confirm acceptance of the new price to continue using the service.
Read also: Germany’s 2025 Travel Requirements: What You Need to Know Ahead of Your Trip
Electronic Patient Record (ePA)
Starting January 15, electronic patient records will be introduced in two pilot regions: Franconia and Hamburg. This system will simplify access and sharing of medical information between doctors and pharmacies, storing documents like X-rays, medical reports, and test results. Patients can choose not to use the system if they prefer. Additionally, some health insurance companies will raise their premiums, and the annual income limit for mandatory public insurance will increase to €73,800. Those earning above this amount can switch to private insurance.
Post Office: Higher prices, slower deliveries
The cost of sending a standard letter in Germany will rise by 10 cents to 95 cents. Additionally, ‘Priority letters’ will no longer be available. Delivery times will also change, with 95% of letters expected to arrive within three business days.
Faster removal of Schufa registry entries
Starting January 2025, late payments will be removed from the Schufa database after 18 months instead of 36, as long as the debts are paid within 100 days. This change aims to offer citizens quicker financial recovery and improved credit scores.