In 2024, Germany will see significant innovations and updates in various aspects of our daily lives. Let's look together at the key news and changes that will be relevant for all residents of Germany.
Table of contents
19% VAT for restaurants and catering
With 2024 year VAT rate of 19% will again apply to food in restaurants. Therefore, the cost of food in restaurants will rise. A reduced rate of 7% was introduced during the corona period to support public catering.
Heating systems in private houses
Since 1 January In private homes, it will be possible to install only heating systems with a high level of use of renewable energy sources.
Cancellation of subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles
In 2024, a subsidy for the purchase of electric vehicles worth up to 45 thousand euros in the amount of 3000 euros - canceled. This bonus was supposed to be valid until the end of 2024, but was prematurely terminated on December 17 due to funding problems.
Increase in additional contribution to state health insurance
Average additional contribution for state health insurance – GKV – Gesetzlichekrankenversicherung will increase to an average of 1,7% (by 0,1 percentage points).
Increase in the minimum wage
From January 1, 2024, the minimum wage will increase by 41 cents and will be 12,41 euros per hour. In 2023 the rate was 12,00 euros per hour.
Mini-job salary increase
From January 1st you will be able to earn money from a mini-job 538 euro instead of the previous 520 euros.
Electronic recipes
Electronic prescriptions will be binding from January 1. Patients who prefer a printed copy will need to receive one.
Increase Grundfreibetrag
Grundfreibetrag will increase from January 1 for singles from 10 euros to 908 euros, for spouses from 11 euros to 604 euros. This is the amount of income up to which those living in Germany do not pay income tax. It is expected that due to inflation it should be increased to 11 euros.
Increase Kinderfreibetrag
Kinderfreibetrag will also increase. From 3012 euros up to 3192 euros for single workers and from 6024 euros up to 6384 euros for married couples.
What is Kinderfreibetrag you can find out here.
Increase in compensation for school supplies
From January 1, the amount of compensation for school supplies for the school year for low-income people will increase. It was 174 euros, will become 195 euros. Payment occurs in 2 installments during the academic year.
Children's passports
New children's passports are bigger will not be issued, updated and extended from January 2024. It will be possible to apply for a regular passport for children and persons under 24 years of age.
CO2 fee
From January, instead of 30 euros, a fee of 45 euros per ton CO2 emissions. We expect an increase in prices at gas stations.
Replacement of driver's licenses
A driver's license will need to be renewed for those born between 1965 and 1970 no later than January 19 2024.
Pflege care benefits
From 1 January, Pflege care benefits will be increased by 5%, depending on Pflegegrad.
The salary limit for compulsory health insurance is increased
The salary limit for compulsory health insurance is increased – PKV – Privatkrankenversicherung. From January 1st limit will be 5775 euros per month or 69300 euros per year (before this it was 5550 euros per month and 66600 euros per year). If your income is above this amount, then you can decide whether to choose private or public insurance.
Reducing sick leave for child care
Sick leave to care for a child will be reduced to 15 working days per year (for single people to 30 days). This period was increased during the “corona” from 10 days to 30 days and remains higher than the pre-pandemic values.
Citizen's Income
From January 1, the Bürgergeld for singles increases from 502 up to 563 euros for 61 euros.
Pension points
The cost of one pension point in 2024 will increase from 43 euros of annual income up to 45 euros. This means that if your salary has not changed, you will accumulate fewer pension points.
Maternity
It has long been a sensational news about maternity leave. The family income at which they are due will be reduced in April from 300.000 to 200.000. Subsequent reduction planned on 2025 year.
deposit
Beginning in January, a 25-cent deposit will be required on plastic bottles sold in dairy and yoghurt products.
Transfer of information about industrial accidents and occupational diseases
From January 1, information on industrial accidents and occupational diseases must be transmitted electronically to professional associations and accident insurance companies.
Upper income threshold for social contributions
The upper income threshold for deductions of social contributions will increase from January 1:
– state health insurance from 59 euros per year to 850 euros per year.
– the threshold for contributions to the pension fund and unemployment insurance will also increase:
2024
89 euro/year (East)
2023
85 euro/year (East)
Full changelog on the Bundesregierung website.
