Main changes in Germany in 2026

January in Germany is a month of pause and quiet. After the festive period, there is less hustle and bustle, fewer queues and less external noise, and the rhythm of life slows down noticeably. This is a time for quiet city walks, museums, theatres and a return to everyday routines. It is precisely from January 2026 that changes come into force in Germany that directly affect the lives of residents — from financial and administrative rules to everyday details that impact daily life.

Work and income

Minimum wage

From 01/01/2026 the Mindestlohn will increase from €12.82 to €13.90 an hour.

The maximum income for a Minijob is increasing to €603 a month.

Taxes

The income tax basic allowance (Grundfreibetrag) is being increased from €12,096 to €12,348 per year per person. This means a little more net income, especially for low and middle earners.

Family and children

Child benefit from January is €259 a month per child (previously €255).

The child tax allowance (Kinderfreibetrag) is being increased to €9,756 per year.

The amount of maintenance (Unterhalt) is adjusted in line with the subsistence minimum:

€486 a month for a child under 5 years old,
6–11 years — €558
from 12 years — €653
adult children — €698
students living away from home — €990

Pension

To obtain 1 pension point in 2026, an annual gross salary of approximately €51,944 is required.

This means that pension points are becoming more expensive and without a pay rise you will receive fewer pension points.

Energy

Cancellation of the gas storage levy

Cancellation of the gas storage levy (Gasspeicherumlage). Gas burden for households decreases.

Actual savings depend on consumption and tariff; an indirect effect on electricity is possible, but not guaranteed.

Care and Pflege

replacement care

From 1st January 2026, compensation can only be claimed for expenses of the current year and the preceding one. Older expenses are no longer reimbursed – even if the services were provided correctly and in accordance with the rules.

Children’s contribution to the cost of looking after their parents

From 2026, the amounts of income that are not taken into account when calculating the contribution towards costs (Selbstbehalt) are clearly established:

the caregiving child must have at least 2650€ per month,
or their partner or spouse — at least 2120€ per month.

Army and military registration

military service registration

Wehrerfassung is introduced — a centralised registry, where all 18-year-olds are sent a questionnaire about their health, education and readiness. It is compulsory for men and voluntary for women.

It’s not about conscription, but data collection. Wehrpflicht has been formally frozen since 2011, but legally it can be brought back.

Transport

Deutschlandticket

Deutschlandticket — price is increasing from €58 to €63 a month.

Regional transport price increases

In 2026, many transport associations are planning to increase regional fares (by 4–6%).

This is not a single federal increase from 1 January; these are regional decisions, with different dates and different percentages.

Exchange of driving licence

Those whose driving licences were issued between 1999 and 2001 must exchange them for an EU format by 19.01.2026.

Old driving licences are not cancelled, but fines, difficulties during checks and abroad are possible.

Monitoring and inspections

Berlin Food Week

Tackling illegal employment

The powers of the Zoll / Finanzkontrolle Schwarzarbeit are being strengthened.
More digital analytics and cross-checking of data.

Credit history

SCHUFA

Basic information about your credit rating is becoming free. Your personal account will show which data was taken into account and which affected the rating.

Exhibitions and fairs

Green Week

Want to see what and how Germany thinks about the future in food, agriculture and horticulture? Then head to Berlin for the international Green Week exhibition (16–25 January).