Effective Changes in Germany from March 2025

Find out more about the major changes in Germany from March 2025, including travel disruptions like the Berlin Hauptbahnhof closure, new regulations, and updates affecting residents, travellers, and expats alike.

Germany entered a significant transformative phase in March 2025, bringing major changes across various sectors that affect residents, workers, expats, and global professionals. From immigration reform to digital identity integration, these changes aim to modernise Germany’s infrastructure, enhance inclusivity, and a response to labor shortcomings. Here’s a detailed information at what will change in Germany from March 2025.

Changes in Germany from March 2025- Travel, Time and Other Reforms

1. Changes in the application rules for new UK ETA Visa by EU Citizens in Germany from March 2025

The non-EU citizens have been paying a 10-pound (11,95 euro) fee when they enter the United Kingdom. This changes from April 2025. The fees will also be applied to EU citizens. If EU and EEA nationals want to prepare any trip in April, they will have to apply for the documents beforehand. It will be favourable to plan everything as the UK Government may take up to 3 working days to process the application.

You can find more information about the requirements and visa application process on the UK government website.

2. Deutsche Bahn timetable changes in Germany from March 2025

Deutsche Bahn will run an extra direct long-distance train between Rostock and Stuttgart, via Berlin, Leipzig and Frankfurt, from March 9. It will depart from Frankfurt at 12:14 PM and arrive in Rostock at 6:36 PM. This connection provides an easy, direct route via major cities, making it easier to travel between the north and south of Germany without having to change trains.

3. Carnival Celebrations in Germany in March 2025

Get ready, German-style, as the Fasching celebration continues with joy and enthusiasm on March 1. This celebration denotes the end of the season. Many revellers are likely to come over to the streets in costumes to enjoy parades and find joy in the chaos. The carnival is expected to continue till Ash Wednesday on March 5, 2025.

4. Mietpreisbremse to change in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany from March 2025

Mietpreisbremse, a rent brake that allowed rents not to be expensive, had been in effect since 2015. It was limited to only 18 municipalities in Germany’s North-Rhine Westphalia. From March 2025, it will be applied to 57 municipalities. This will enable the landlords to increase the rent by a maximum of 15% every three years. They will be able to charge only 10% more than the standard local amount under new rental contracts.

5. Season changes in Germany from March 2025- Spring Season’s First Day

The first day of Spring will fall on March 20. This indicated the end of German chilled winters and the beginning of embracing the warmth of the sun. You will be able to enjoy extra daylight hours and mild temperatures.

6. E-scooters and Moped drivers to change their number plates in Germany from March 2025

​Beginning on March 1, 2025, e-scooters, mopeds, and similar small vehicles drivers are required to swap their blue insurance number plates with green ones. This change is being imposed to make sure that all of those vehicles are covered by valid liability insurance as regulated by German law. The color of the insurance number plate changes each year, like black, blue, and green, to show the validity period. The designated colour for the year 2025 is green. 

7. Changes in Berlin Hauptbahnhof Closure Time in Germany in March 2025

Berlin Hauptbahnhof will remain closed from 10 AM on March 21 until 4 AM on March 24 due to construction work. The upgrades are made to install more switches and signals to improve operational flexibility and the ability to accommodate increasing passenger numbers. These changes are anticipated to reduce congestion and improve train scheduling at the station.

8. Changes in Germany’s government negotiations from March 2025

After the centre-right Christian Democratic Union / Christian Social Union (CDU / CSU) won the election with 28.52%, the leader of the party and soon-to-be expected German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, may have to bring a coalition government together. The discussion of Merz with the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) is expected to continue throughout March 2025. The hopes are high that Merz will form the government soon before April 20.

9. Clock changes to run forward by 1 Hour in Germany from March 2025

The clocks will run forward by 1 hour from March 30 at 2 AM. The time will be 3AM instead of 2 AM. This implies that the night will be one hour shorter than before. The change is made to make efficient use of daylight during the days of spring and summer, providing people more daylight in the evening. This change will remain in effect till the last Sunday in October.

10. Pensioners Health Premium rate changes in Germany from March 2025

In Germany, starting in March 2025, pensioners will face a rise in health insurance premiums as their providers raise additional contribution rates. This hike is part of a major trend where many insurers are adjusting rates to cope with rising healthcare costs, leading to higher monthly payments for pensioners. Pensioners affected by these increases have the privilege to alter providers with more affordable rates.

11. Number of Public Sector Strikes Changes in Germany from March 2025

January and February witnessed public sector and transport workers throughout Germany taking intermittent warning strikes, which hit everything from Kitas to bin collection and swimming pools. Ver.di is calling for public sectors to be given an 8% increase in wages, among other demands, and the union is still yet to reach a deal with government officials on behalf of public sector workers.

On March 14, Ver.di representatives and government officials will sit down for the third round of talks. If an agreement is not reached in advance of that, additional strikes in the first half of March are probable for the public sector and transportation.

12. Day-Off Changes in Berlin, Germany, as International Women’s Day is on March 8, 2025 (Saturday)

In Berlin, International Women’s Day is a public holiday. As this day falls on a Saturday this year, Berliners will not be able to enjoy an extra day off. However, the stores will remain closed on March 8 and 9. So, remember to bring food and other essentials that are of urgent need, or you will have to wait for 2 days.

Changes in Germany from March 2025 mark a significant period of transformation, affecting a wide range of daily life, from public transportation and rent regulations to insurance requirements and political changes. Changes such as the Berlin Hauptbahnhof closure, new springtime timetables, changes in rental laws in North-Rhine Westphalia, and growing visa requirements for EU travelers to the UK, residents and visitors need to plan everything in prior and stay updated with the information.

The focus of these changes in Germany from March 2025 is to make the lives of citizens and visitors convenient. Changes are never easy, but sometimes adapting to them makes our life easier.

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