JUNE 2024: The Key Changes in Germany
JUNE 2024: The Key Changes in Germany
June is set to be an exciting month for Germany, with significant changes and events impacting expats and residents alike. From new citizenship laws to football fever, here’s what you need to know.
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1. German Dual Citizenship Law Comes Into Effect
Starting June 27, Germany’s new dual citizenship law will allow non-EU citizens with a German residence permit to naturalize after just five years, or even three years in special cases, without having to renounce their original citizenship. However, processing times for applications can be lengthy, so ensure your application is complete to speed up the process.
2. New Citizenship Information Website Launch
Also on June 27, Germany will launch a new citizenship information website. This platform, along with new official social media accounts, will share personal stories of successful applicants to guide and encourage residents through the naturalization process.
3. Germany Launches Chancenkarte Visa
From June 1, the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card) visa will make it easier for non-EU citizens to move to Germany. This points-based visa allows holders to work part-time while searching for long-term employment or vocational training. Applicants must meet three basic requirements and score at least six points in the system.
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4. Bahncard 25 and 50 Go Digital
From June 6, Deutsche Bahn’s Bahncard 25 and 50 will only be available in digital form. Users will need to create a profile on the DB app or website to show a digital version of their card. Existing physical cards can be used until they expire, and Bahncard 100 will remain available in physical form.
5. Wero Payment System Launches Across Europe
At the end of June, the new pan-European online payment system, Wero, will launch. Created by the European Payments Initiative (EPI), Wero aims to compete with Apple Pay, PayPal, Mastercard, and Visa. It is expected to eventually replace national banking networks like Germany’s girocard.
6. EU Citizens Head to the Polls
On June 9, voters in Germany will participate in the European elections. This year, for the first time, Germans aged 16 and 17 can vote. If you’re unsure which party to support, check out Wahl-O-Mat to align your views with German parties.
7. School Summer Holidays Begin in Five States
Schoolchildren in Bremen, Lower Saxony, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia will start their summer holidays at the end of June, enjoying a break until early August.
8. LGBTQ+ Pride Month Across Germany
June marks International LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Various events throughout the month will celebrate advances in queer liberation, commemorate those lost to homophobic crimes or policies, and protest ongoing oppression. Check out our guide to Christopher Street Day celebrations and demonstrations in Germany.
9. Germany Hosts UEFA European Football Championships
Football fever hits Germany from June 14 to July 14 as the country hosts the UEFA European Football Championships. Matches will take place in ten host cities, starting with Germany vs. Scotland in Berlin. Fans can enjoy screenings at Brandenburger Tor’s Fanmeile, and ticket holders can benefit from Deutsche Bahn’s special transport deal.
10. Changes to Cable TV Connections for Tenants
From July 1, landlords will no longer be able to include cable TV connection fees in Nebenkosten (additional costs). Tenants who wish to continue watching cable TV will need to arrange this directly with providers, potentially facing higher costs.
Stay tuned for these exciting developments and enjoy the vibrant changes coming to Germany this June!
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