EU Laws Nationalized in Germany
Let’s start with the part that talks about laws from the EU that have now been nationalized in Germany.
When it comes to traveling, the new entry and exit system for EU countries participating in the Schengen area is about to start.
So, from 12th October, there won’t be a real person standing there and stamping your passports — especially for non-EU travelers who are on short-term stays.
They want to ensure that people with short-term stays leave when they’re supposed to and make borders more secure. Secondly, they want to curb overstaying — a lot of people come and stay longer than allowed, and this system will control that better.
If you have EU citizenship, you are not included in this regulation. It is mainly for non-EU travelers with short-term visas.
However, if you’re a non-EU traveler but on a long-term visa, you are likely to be exempt.
So, that’s the first thing to note — especially for those expecting family members. From 12th October, border control will become digital and automated.
EU Banking Update
Another EU regulation introduced into national law concerns banking.
From 9th October, all banks in the Eurozone must ensure that clients receive SWIFT transactions — money transfers within 10 seconds, even on holidays.
Because of this, banks are also adding security layers.
For example, if we send money to “Abraham Lincoln” and the IBAN we enter doesn’t match that name, We'll be immediately notified.
This is NOT about banks checking your accounts — ignore those misleading TikTok videos!
It’s only about making instant payments more secure.
German National Updates
Now let’s move on to laws Germany has recently updated.
1. Electronic Patient Records
The test phase for electronic patient records has ended.
From October 1st, doctors are obligated to offer digital records.
If you, as a patient, don’t want it, you can opt out.
But if you agree, your doctor can upload your medical history, diagnoses, and prescriptions to your digital file.
For example, when we visit my doctor now, my prescription is sent directly to the pharmacy via my insurance card — no paper needed!
2. Heating Cost Calculation
From October 1st, landlords must calculate heating costs according to actual usage (meter readings), not apartment size.
Previously, they could estimate based on square meters.
So, check your Nebenkostenabrechnung carefully!
3. Broadcasting Fee (Rundfunkbeitrag)
From October, students who receive BAföG or similar state aid can apply for exemption — especially if they no longer live at home.
You must apply yourself for the exemption, so don’t forget to notify them!
4. Taxes
This October, if you earn more than €12,000, you can apply for a tax reduction by submitting job-related expenses (like transport or telecom costs).
If you do this, your employer deducts less tax upfront, rather than waiting for a refund after filing your annual tax return.
5. Technology
In late September, Microsoft announced it would stop updates for Windows 10, but after criticism, it extended support until October 14, 2025.
After that, users must download updates manually.
6. General Information
October also means it’s time to switch to winter tires (O to O — Oktober bis Ostern).
If your tires are worn out, replace them for your own safety and others’.
Q&A: Working as a Foreign-Trained Lawyer in Germany
We’ve received this question several times:
“I’m a foreign-trained lawyer. How can I work in Germany?”
Germany has a different legal system. You can do Bachelor and Master of Laws here, but those don’t qualify you as a lawyer (“Rechtsanwalt”).
To practice law, you need both state exams (Erstes and Zweites Staatsexamen).
After the first exam, you’re a Diplomjurist. Then comes a two-year Referendariat — practical legal training.
If you come from an EU country, it’s easier — your degree can be recognized.
However, German is mandatory, as court proceedings are conducted in German.
Alternatively, you can do an LL.M. and work as in-house counsel or in international law without being a courtroom lawyer.
If you come from outside the EU, you may need to pass both state exams or work in specialized fields like tax law.
Summary
✅ Your banking system is now faster and more secure.
✅ Check your tax options if you want a reduction.
✅ Inspect your car and tires for winter safety.
✅ Review your heating bills closely.
✅ Stay updated with legal changes each month!
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