![[Germany] 8 changes expats should know about this month](http://globalpayrollassociation.com/cdn/shop/articles/bigstock--188256349_1200x.jpg?v=1646394494)
In Germany, there are more changes than the arrival of spring on the horizon. In addition to the lifting of COVID restrictions, there are rules on insurance, hedge trimming ordinances and clock changes to keep track of in March too. I Am Expat details the eight changes expats should be aware of.
1. COVID restrictions gradually ease
The rollback of COVID restrictions is already underway in the country, but in March 2022 things will ramp up as the federal states implement steps two and three of the plan agreed at the coronavirus summit on February 16.
From March 4, 2G rules will be replaced with 3G in restaurants, bars and hotels in Germany, meaning unvaccinated people will once again be permitted entry, if they can present a negative test result. The 3G rule will also apply at big events like concerts and football matches. Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen under 2G plus rules (vaccinated or recovered plus a negative test).
From March 20, all “far-reaching” measures are to be lifted, including 2G plus, 2G and 3G rules. The only measures that will remain in place are the obligation to wear a mask in shops and on public transport. The requirement to work from home will be lifted.
2. Vaccine mandate for healthcare workers come into effect
Anyone working in the German healthcare system - including in nursing homes, doctors’ surgeries and day clinics- will be subject to a vaccine mandate from March 15, 2022. After this date, employees should be able to provide proof of full vaccination, previous infection or a medical certificate attesting to the fact that they cannot be vaccinated.
Local health authorities will, however, have individual discretion when it comes to implementing measures. Unvaccinated workers are therefore unlikely to immediately lose their jobs; dismissal will be considered a last resort.
3. Clocks go forward
As ever, on the last Sunday in March clocks will change from winter to summer time. In 2022, the date for the change is March 27. At 2am overnight from Saturday to Sunday, clocks will go forward to 3am. One hour less in bed exchanged for lighter evenings!
4. New insurance plates for motorbikes, mopeds and e-scooters
The colour of insurance plates for motorcycles changes annually, to make it easier to check whether vehicle insurance is still up to date. In March 2022, the current blue plates will be replaced with green plates and all motorbikes, mopeds, scooters and fast e-bikes with a top speed of 45 kilometres per hour must make the switch. Without an up-to-date licence plate, insurance cover will be considered invalid and the vehicle not permitted on German roads.
5. New rules on organ donation
A new law coming into force in March 2022 should make it easier for people to decide whether or not they want to donate their organs. From March 1, informational material and organ donor cards will be available at ID card offices (inside citizens’ offices etc.). GPs will be allowed to advise their patients on the subject of organ donation every two years. A national digital organ donor register will also be created.
6. Contracts become easier to cancel
Germany’s Fair Consumer Contracts Act comes into effect on March 1, providing relief to consumers who have battled with long and inflexible contracts on mobile phones, internet, streaming services, newspaper subscriptions, gyms and electricity and gas supplies for too long.
The law, passed in 2021, is intended to stop customers from getting locked into automatically-extending contracts they no longer want. Until now, general terms and conditions have typically stated that fixed-term contracts need to be terminated three months before the end of the contract period, otherwise they can be renewed for a whole year.
From March 1, 2022, this no longer applies: the minimum notice period will be shortened to one month. And if the deadline is missed, a contract can be extended indefinitely but the one month’s notice period continues to apply. From July 1, 2022, providers must have a cancellation button included on their website if they have concluded the contract online, to make terminations faster and easier.
7. Last month for tax-free COVID bonuses
Employers can continue to pay their employees a COVID bonus of up to 1.500 euros and it will remain exempt from taxation until March 31, 2022. Beyond that date, the tax exemption status will expire.
8. Stop hedge trimming until October
With spring on its way, it might seem like an opportune time for gardening but be cautious because Germany has strict laws prohibiting hedge trimming and tree felling between March 1 and September 30 each year, to protect animal habitats and plants. Only “gentle shaping and care cuts to eliminate the growth of plants or to keep trees healthy” are allowed, so save those Edward Scissorhands sculptures until October!
Source: I Am Expat
(Links via original reporting)
In Germany, there are more changes than the arrival of spring on the horizon. In addition to the lifting of COVID restrictions, there are rules on insurance, hedge trimming ordinances and clock changes to keep track of in March too. I Am Expat details the eight changes expats should be aware of.
1. COVID restrictions gradually ease
The rollback of COVID restrictions is already underway in the country, but in March 2022 things will ramp up as the federal states implement steps two and three of the plan agreed at the coronavirus summit on February 16.
From March 4, 2G rules will be replaced with 3G in restaurants, bars and hotels in Germany, meaning unvaccinated people will once again be permitted entry, if they can present a negative test result. The 3G rule will also apply at big events like concerts and football matches. Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen under 2G plus rules (vaccinated or recovered plus a negative test).
From March 20, all “far-reaching” measures are to be lifted, including 2G plus, 2G and 3G rules. The only measures that will remain in place are the obligation to wear a mask in shops and on public transport. The requirement to work from home will be lifted.
2. Vaccine mandate for healthcare workers come into effect
Anyone working in the German healthcare system - including in nursing homes, doctors’ surgeries and day clinics- will be subject to a vaccine mandate from March 15, 2022. After this date, employees should be able to provide proof of full vaccination, previous infection or a medical certificate attesting to the fact that they cannot be vaccinated.
Local health authorities will, however, have individual discretion when it comes to implementing measures. Unvaccinated workers are therefore unlikely to immediately lose their jobs; dismissal will be considered a last resort.
3. Clocks go forward
As ever, on the last Sunday in March clocks will change from winter to summer time. In 2022, the date for the change is March 27. At 2am overnight from Saturday to Sunday, clocks will go forward to 3am. One hour less in bed exchanged for lighter evenings!
4. New insurance plates for motorbikes, mopeds and e-scooters
The colour of insurance plates for motorcycles changes annually, to make it easier to check whether vehicle insurance is still up to date. In March 2022, the current blue plates will be replaced with green plates and all motorbikes, mopeds, scooters and fast e-bikes with a top speed of 45 kilometres per hour must make the switch. Without an up-to-date licence plate, insurance cover will be considered invalid and the vehicle not permitted on German roads.
5. New rules on organ donation
A new law coming into force in March 2022 should make it easier for people to decide whether or not they want to donate their organs. From March 1, informational material and organ donor cards will be available at ID card offices (inside citizens’ offices etc.). GPs will be allowed to advise their patients on the subject of organ donation every two years. A national digital organ donor register will also be created.
6. Contracts become easier to cancel
Germany’s Fair Consumer Contracts Act comes into effect on March 1, providing relief to consumers who have battled with long and inflexible contracts on mobile phones, internet, streaming services, newspaper subscriptions, gyms and electricity and gas supplies for too long.
The law, passed in 2021, is intended to stop customers from getting locked into automatically-extending contracts they no longer want. Until now, general terms and conditions have typically stated that fixed-term contracts need to be terminated three months before the end of the contract period, otherwise they can be renewed for a whole year.
From March 1, 2022, this no longer applies: the minimum notice period will be shortened to one month. And if the deadline is missed, a contract can be extended indefinitely but the one month’s notice period continues to apply. From July 1, 2022, providers must have a cancellation button included on their website if they have concluded the contract online, to make terminations faster and easier.
7. Last month for tax-free COVID bonuses
Employers can continue to pay their employees a COVID bonus of up to 1.500 euros and it will remain exempt from taxation until March 31, 2022. Beyond that date, the tax exemption status will expire.
8. Stop hedge trimming until October
With spring on its way, it might seem like an opportune time for gardening but be cautious because Germany has strict laws prohibiting hedge trimming and tree felling between March 1 and September 30 each year, to protect animal habitats and plants. Only “gentle shaping and care cuts to eliminate the growth of plants or to keep trees healthy” are allowed, so save those Edward Scissorhands sculptures until October!
Source: I Am Expat
(Links via original reporting)