Innovations 2025: pensioners, taxes and travel rules - what you need to know!

Innovations 2025: pensioners, taxes and travel rules - what you need to know!

With the upcoming year of 2025, numerous changes are imminent in Germany that will affect both pensioners as well as drivers and travelers. One of the most important innovations is to increase pensions by about 3.5 %. This is followed by an increase in 4.57 % on July 1, 2024. Tax changes are also on the agenda: The basic allowance will be raised to 12,084 euros in 2025, while the child allowance increases to 9,600 euros. In addition, the child benefit will be increased to 255 euros per month from 2025, the Stadtblatt .

The CO₂ delivery is also increased, which could lead to an increase in gasoline prices by around 15.7 cents and diesel prices by 17.3 cents. From January 1, 2025, liquid gas systems in motorhomes must be checked by June 19, 2025. In addition, a change will be important for motorcyclists: only vehicles that correspond to the new Euro 5+emissions standard may be approved. There are also innovations in the administration: For example, employment contracts from 2025 under certain conditions can be concluded digitally, reports motorcycle and travel .

Important deadlines for driver's license holders

Führerschein holder must also exchange their old driver's license from January 19, 2025 for a uniform card license, unless they were born before 1953. This affects all driver's licenses that were issued before January 19, 2013. A biometric passport photo, the old driver's license and a fee of 25 euros are required for the exchange. From May 2025 it will also be possible to submit passport photos digitally for new personnel cards and passports.

Furthermore, an electronic entry permit will be necessary for travel to the Isle of Man and England from April 2025. For EU travelers, the trip to Great Britain will also provide similar requirements from April 2, 2025, which is associated with additional costs. It remains to be seen how these measures will affect the travel habits of the Germans.