November 2023: 9 alterations impacting expatriates in Germany.
2023 is swiftly slipping away, but the penultimate month of the year heralds the commencement of one of the most anticipated changes for those planning to relocate to Germany in the upcoming year.
1. The first part of the new skilled worker law will be adopted: The first phase of the long-awaited skilled worker law in Germany is set to be enacted in November 2023. Starting on November 18, this initial stage allows non-EU nationals with vocational qualifications or university degrees to secure employment in Germany, irrespective of whether the position aligns directly with their qualifications.
Notable modifications to the EU Blue Card include a reduction in the salary threshold and the ability for Blue Card holders from other EU countries to visit Germany for work-related purposes for up to 90 days without a visa. Those possessing a Blue Card from another EU country for at least one year can also work in Germany long-term without an additional visa. Subsequent phases of the law, including the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card), are expected to be implemented in March and June 2024.
2. Application deadlines to get a tax reduction for 2023: November 30 marks the deadline for submitting applications for a tax reduction for the year 2023. If previous efforts in filing your Steuererklärung for 2022 did not yield desired results, this is another opportunity to retroactively apply for a Lohnsteuerermäßigung (wage tax reduction) for the entirety of 2023. Accepted applications result in a higher percentage of wages received in November and December. Additionally, applications for a Lohnsteuerermäßigung for the year 2024 can also be submitted, potentially reducing income tax for the upcoming year.
3. ID pick-up process will be further digitised: The process of picking up identification documents will undergo further digitization starting November 1. Applicants for new ID cards, residence permit cards, or German passports can, in theory, retrieve their documents from a machine using a letter, a PIN code, and the collection machine at their local Amt.
4. Dual citizenship law will see its first reading: Germany's updated citizenship law is poised to advance to the next phase of legislative proceedings in the coming month, with the first reading scheduled for either November 9 or 10.
In this context, "reading" refers to the debating phase of the legislative process, which encompasses three pivotal stages. Following the first reading and preceding the second, a specialized committee will be assigned to the bill, responsible for orchestrating public hearings to delve deeper into discussions about the law and provide recommendations.
Ultimately, the law will undergo a vote at the conclusion of the third reading. Should everything proceed as planned, the new citizenship law is anticipated to be implemented in Germany from April 2024. Rest assured, we will continue to keep you informed about the latest developments until then.
5. Building disruption and possible Deutsche Bahn strikes: Similar to many other months, rail maintenance activities in November will cause interruptions to public transportation. Stay informed about real-time updates on line changes by visiting the DB website.
Furthermore, the industrial peace agreement with Germany's Union of Train Drivers (GDL) is due to expire at the end of October. Pay negotiations are slated to resume in November, increasing the likelihood of potential strikes.
6. New emergency alert channel will launch in Germany: Germany has a penchant for alert days that leave people puzzled as phones emit alerts while alarm bells resound in towns and cities. In response to the shortcomings exposed in its existing systems following the 2021 floods, the country is enhancing its emergency warning mechanisms.
Commencing on November 1, the 919 broadcast channel will be introduced. During emergencies, this channel can dispatch messages to both old and new mobile phones. However, users need to preregister for the broadcast in their mobile phone notification settings.
7. Deadline to change car insurance provider: The deadline of November 30 is rapidly approaching for individuals looking to switch their German car insurance. Given the competitive nature of the German car insurance market, it is advisable to explore various options to find the most favorable deals. Utilizing a price comparison website can facilitate decision-making. Typically, it is feasible to secure a policy online by providing essential personal details such as your driving license number and bank account information.
Nevertheless, the German Automobile Club suggests that individuals exploring alternative offers carefully read the fine print. This caution is important as certain "better deals" may not cover specific types of claims.
8. Meta to launch ad-free versions of Facebook and Instagram: Commencing in November, individuals using Facebook and Instagram within the EU, EEA, and Switzerland will now have the choice to subscribe and use Meta's platforms without encountering advertisements.
Both Android and iOS users can expect a monthly fee of 13 euros for mobile access or 9.99 euros for desktop access. This new fee structure enables users to make a one-time payment to enjoy an ad-free experience across all their Meta-provided accounts until March 2024. After this period, the US company will initiate a charge of 6 euros for each additional account.
This new system is a response to a ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union, requiring Meta to obtain user consent before displaying ads to comply with EU data privacy laws.
9. Disney+ subscription costs will go up: Disney+ subscription costs in Germany will increase from November, with premium, standard, and standard with advertising subscriptions priced at 11.99 euros, 8.99 euros, and 5.99 euros per month, respectively.