What’s Changing in Germany in October 2025: Key Updates for Residents and Expats
- thephoebeway
- Oct 7
- 3 min read
From digital health records and tax reductions to instant EU bank transfers and new travel rules — here’s everything changing in Germany this October 2025. Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know, with key dates and practical tips to help you stay prepared.
If you prefer watching the updates, here is a quick roundup of the October updates:
Doctors Must Use Electronic Patient Records (from October 1)
Germany’s healthcare system is going digital. Starting October 1st, all doctors’ practices are required to use electronic patient records (ePA).
This means your medical history, prescriptions, and test results can be stored securely online — and shared with doctors or pharmacies involved in your care.
Tip: You can still opt out by contacting your health insurer or manage what information is shared via the ePA app.
Apply for an Income Tax Reduction for 2026 (from October 1)
If you earn more than €12,096 per year, you can apply now to have your 2026 tax-deductible expenses (like commuting costs or work equipment) factored into your monthly paychecks.
That means more money in your pocket throughout the year — instead of waiting for your 2026 tax return.
Tip: Apply through your local tax office or online via ELSTER (Germany’s digital tax portal).
New EU Entry/Exit System for Non-EU Travellers (from October 12)
Travelling to or from the EU? A new Entry/Exit System (EES) launches on October 12th, replacing the old passport stamp process.
The system digitally records fingerprints and facial data for non-EU visitors, making border checks faster and more secure.
EU citizens and long-term residents of Germany are not affected, but non-EU travellers should expect some delays at first as airports and border points adjust.
BAföG Students and Apprentices Can Skip the Rundfunkbeitrag (from October 1)
Good news for students and trainees!
From October, anyone receiving BAföG (student financial aid) or an Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB - vocational training assistance) can apply to be exempt from paying the monthly broadcast licence fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) — as long as they don’t live with their parents.
If everyone in your shared flat receives BAföG, the whole apartment is exempt.
Tip:You’ll just need to apply for the exemption through the Rundfunkbeitrag website.
Instant EU-Wide Bank Transfers (from October 9)
Starting October 9th, all banks in the Eurozone must offer instant transfers that arrive in under 10 seconds — even on weekends or holidays.
Transfers will also become safer: banks will now verify that the recipient’s name matches the IBAN before processing payments. If something doesn’t match, you’ll be notified immediately.
And the best part? Banks can’t charge higher fees for instant transfers than for standard ones.
Windows 10 Support Extended (after October 14)
Microsoft originally planned to end Windows 10 support on October 14th, 2025. But after widespread criticism, the company has confirmed that support will be extended for one more year.
Users who can’t upgrade yet will still receive security updates — a relief for both private users and businesses.
End of the “Heat Pump Privilege” (from October 1)
Landlords with shared heat pump systems in apartment buildings can no longer charge tenants for heating based on a flat rate or living space size.
Starting this month, they must measure and bill based on actual energy use. This change ensures fairer billing — and encourages energy efficiency in multi-family homes.
Clocks Go Back One Hour (October 26)
Don’t forget to adjust your clocks!
Germany will switch from daylight saving time to standard time on October 26th.
That’s it for this month’s updates! If you’d like a quick visual summary, check out my latest video on YouTube where I break down each change in simple terms. Don’t forget to follow for more monthly updates about life in Germany.
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