February 2026: 7 changes affecting expats in Germany

Germany faces more public sector strikes and travel restrictions in February. But there are three celebrations and events to look forward to at the end of the month!

1. More public sector strikes in Germany

In January, public sector workers at hospitals, universities, schools, and more, took part in warning strikes. 

Multiple trade unions, including ver.di, dbb and the GEW, are demanding a 7 percent pay rise on behalf of the around 2,2 million public sector employees.

So far, state employers have dubbed the demands unaffordable, meaning strikes are likely to continue in February until the relevant federal states and unions come to an agreement. IamExpat will cover all the major disruptions that residents need to know about.

2. UK cements new ETA travel restrictions

Since April 2, 2025, people travelling to the UK have needed an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), unless they are travelling on a UK or Irish passport. Since the new policy was introduced, there has been a “transitional tolerance period," which will end on February 25.

The ETA needs to be applied for at least 72 hours in advance of travelling and currently costs 16 pounds (around 18,45 euros). Once received, the ETA is valid for two years with unlimited entries, so long as you have the same passport. You can apply for an ETA via the official app, or online.

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

3. Solar power feed-in tariff to change

Every February 1 and August 1, Germany changes its solar panel feed-in tariff. The feed-in tariff determines the amount of money that people with solar panels receive when they feed electricity back into the grid. 

Between February 1 and July 31 the feed-in tariff for systems up to 10 kWp will be 7.79 ct/kWh (partial feed-in) or 12.35 ct/kWh (full feed-in) for systems up to 10 kWp and drops to 5.50 ct/kWh and 10.35 ct/kWh for larger systems.

However, when you install your solar panels determines which rate is applicable to your panels, and this rate applies for 20 years. This means the new rate will apply to solar panels registered between February 1 and August, and will apply to those panels for 20 years.

4. Amazon Prime Video customers can register for refund

In early 2024, Amazon sent an email informing Prime Video subscribers that from February 2024 ads would be shown to Prime Video subscribers unless they paid an extra 2,99 euros per month for their subscription.

In December 2025, the Munich Regional Court ruled the email was misleading because it implied to customers that the international company could make unilateral changes to their Prime Video subscription contract. 

Amazon could still launch an appeal. However, the Consumer Advice Centre (Verbraucherzentrale) in North Rhine-Westphalia has now launched a class action lawsuit against Amazon. On the Federal Office of Justice (BfJ) website, those affected by the Amazon Prime Video price rises can register their name and details. If the lawsuit is successful, they will be refunded for illegal price rises.

5. Carnival returns on February 12

Every year, German carnival season kicks off at 11.11am on November 11, takes a back seat for Christmas celebrations and reappears in late February. In 2026, Karneval will be back on February 12 and will “peak” on Rosenmontag on February 16.

On Rosenmontag in the Rhineland, carnival revellers (Jecke) flood back into the streets to watch parades and spot the most riotous carnival floats, which traditionally satirise the political happenings of the year gone by. The Hoppeditz is burned the following day on Violet Tuesday (Veilchendienstag), the night before Karneval season ends on Ash Wednesday (Aschermittwoch).

Curious to know more? Read our definitive guide to carnival in Germany.

6. Ramadan begins on February 17

From February 17, many of the 5,5 million muslims in Germany practice daily fasting as Ramadan begins. Over the following month, practicing muslims will fast between their meal before the sun rises (suhur) and after the sun sets (iftar). Ramadan will come to a close with Eid al-Fitr on March 20.

7. Chinese New Year on February 17

That’s not all for celebrations! February 17 also marks Chinese New Year and the beginning of the Year of the Horse. For the 163.000 Chinese people living in Germany, and anyone else who is interested, events will be held across the country, including a special concert at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. 新年快乐!