March 2024: Ten alterations impacting expatriates in Germany
As March ushers in the spring season, significant changes are underway in Germany. Here’s a rundown of what to expect in the month ahead:
1. Adoption of Second Part of Skilled Worker Law:
Commencing March 1, 2024, Germany will enact the second segment of its new skilled worker law, following the initial phase implemented in November 2023. The subsequent phase aims to facilitate the entry of additional categories of skilled workers into Germany. Individuals possessing recognized university degrees or vocational qualifications from their home countries can migrate to Germany if they demonstrate two years of relevant field experience, regardless of whether their qualification and experience are related.
2. Mandatory Logging of Working Hours:
In compliance with a ruling from Germany’s Federal Labour Court (BAG), effective March 4, all employees in Germany must document their daily working hours. Employers are mandated to establish a time tracking system, ensuring employees can accurately record their hours worked.
3. Increased Health Insurance Contributions for Pensioners:
Commencing March 1, 2024, pensioners in Germany will experience heightened health insurance premiums, varying based on their health insurance provider. The increased contributions will be deducted from pension payments automatically.
4. Introduction of New Number Plates for Small Vehicles:
Owners of small vehicles in Germany, including mopeds, e-bikes, and scooters with speeds up to 45 kilometers per hour, must acquire new number plates starting March 1. The color scheme for small vehicle number plates changes annually, with blue being the current color.
5. Launch of Online Organ Donor Register:
Starting March 18, residents in Germany can register as organ donors online, streamlining the process. Registrants will receive an organ donor ID by mail, which they should carry alongside their standard ID for recognition in emergencies.
6. Energy Consumption Display for Household Devices:
Effective March 1, 2024, new household appliances sold in Germany, such as refrigerators and washing machines, must meet higher energy-saving standards. Manufacturers are required to provide energy consumption information for products annually or per 100 cycles.
7. Relaunch of Youth Culture Pass:
The youth culture pass for 18-year-olds extends into its second year, allowing individuals born in 2006 to apply for the pass starting March 1. The pass grants free access to cultural events up to 100 euros and can be accessed via the Kultur-Pass App with an eID.
8. Recognition of International Women’s Day Holiday:
Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern will observe International Women’s Day as a public holiday, marking the first non-Christmas-related Feiertage in March. Demonstrations are anticipated nationwide, echoing the sentiments of renowned German feminist Rosa Luxemburg.
9. Easter Holidays:
Easter arrives early this year, with Good Friday falling on March 29 and Easter Sunday on March 31, providing two additional public holidays in March.
10. Daylight Saving Time:
On March 31, 2024, Germany will transition to daylight saving time at 2 a.m., signaling longer daylight hours with sunset at 7:39 p.m. on Easter Day.