Top Changes in Germany

• From May 1, 2026, Germany temporarily reduces energy tax on petrol and diesel for two months, with relief of up to 17 cents gross per liter.

• Employers may be allowed to pay a voluntary tax- and social-contribution-free relief premium of up to EUR 1,000, subject to the final legislative process.

• Fuel-price timing rules changed in April: stations may raise prices only once per day at 12:00, while reductions remain possible at any time.

• Germany's April 2026 legal update introduces new rules against fuel price spikes at filling stations.

• From mid-April, sale, purchase, and possession of nitrous oxide and K.O. drops are restricted for minors.

• From April 28, 2026, laptops offered in the EU must use a USB-C charging port.

• Use AI to turn complex admin tasks into clear step-by-step checklists.

• Cut avoidable costs with structured comparisons for rent, mobility, and subscriptions.

• Use AI safely: verify deadlines and legal facts on official portals before acting.

• Higher health-insurance deductions for many pensioners apply from March 1, 2026.

• Mopeds, e-scooters, and similar insured vehicles need the new black insurance plate from March 1, 2026.

• Germany switches to daylight saving time on March 29, 2026.

• Federal legal updates published for February 2026.

• UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement became relevant for many Germany-based travellers in late February 2026.

• End-of-February compliance window matters for property and garden maintenance before March nature-protection restrictions.

• Statutory minimum wage increased to EUR 13.90; minijob limit increased to EUR 603.

• Kindergeld increased to EUR 259 per child per month.

• Deutschlandticket moved to EUR 63 per month.