March 2026: 10 changes affecting expats in Germany

Springtime is almost here! Hooray! March is bringing multiple changes to border controls and travel, the German pension system and even… time itself. Here’s what you need to know: 

1. Two pension adjustments

In March, there will be two significant adjustments to German pensions. 

At the beginning of 2026, workers in Germany began paying higher additional contributions for their health insurance. From March, these additional contributions will also affect pensioners. If you’re retired, how much more you pay will depend on which health insurance plan you have, but your provider is obliged to inform you of any cost increases.

In March, the German government is also scheduled to announce its statutory pension adjustment, which will take effect from July 2026. This adjustment determines how pensions will increase later in the year.

2. State and local elections in three federal states

In March, elections will be held in three federal states. On March 8, German citizens and EU nationals living in Bavaria will be able to vote in municipal and district elections. These authorities are responsible for policy on housing, schools and public transport, among other things.

On March 8, state elections will also be held in Baden-Württemberg, and on March 22 in Rhineland-Palatinate. Only German citizens can vote in state elections.

3. German border checks extended

Germany’s additional border checks were scheduled to end on March 15 but have been extended until September. This means that police will continue regular checks at the German border with all neighbouring countries.

While regular checks are in place, taking your passport and residence permit is advisable when crossing the German border.

The additional controls have been criticised by the EU, the Polish government, and the German police, who are responsible for carrying them out.

4. EES rollout continues

On October 12, the EU launched its new Entry/Exit System (EES). Since then, authorities have been rolling out the checks at an increasing number of border crossings ahead of full implementation in April 2026.

Under the EES, on their first visit to any EU country, non-EU citizens will be required to log their passport details and biometric data in a dedicated booth before proceeding to passport control. 

The EES is designed to speed up travel and replace the passport stamp system for recording arrivals and departures. You can find out more information in our article What are the new entry and exit rules for the EU?

People using UK border control gates (Image credit: 1000 Words / Shutterstock.com).

5. Clarification may come on ETA for dual nationals

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. After the new policy was introduced, there was a “transitional tolerance period," which ended on February 25.

So why is this relevant in March? There is still some confusion about what the change means for British dual nationals who do not have a valid British passport. To find out more, you can read our article What are the new rules for British dual nationals travelling to the UK?

Because of the ongoing confusion and widespread media reports, the UK government may issue further clarification in March on how dual nationals are impacted.

6. E-scooters and mopeds need new insurance plates

From March 1, the green insurance licence plates currently required on e-scooters and mopeds will no longer be valid.

Drivers will need to swap their green plates for the black plates issued by their vehicle insurance. These plates change annually so police can easily spot which riders have up-to-date insurance coverage.

7. SCHUFA “black box” will be more transparent

Anyone who wants to sign a new rental contract, open a bank account, take out a loan, or buy a car on finance needs an up-to-date SCHUFA credit report to do so in Germany.

But the automatic credit scoring system has long been criticised for using opaque methods to calculate scores. From the end of March, the system will be simplified, more transparent and available online.

However, customers need to join the waiting list to create an online SCHUFA account. You can read more about the changes in our article The SCHUFA score will be simplified and available online from 2026.

People at an International Women's Day demonstration in Berlin (Image credit: Mo Photography Berlin / Shutterstock.com).

8. International Women’s Day on March 8

March 8 marks International Women’s Day, also known as Feministischer Kampftag (Feminist Day of Struggle). March 8 is a public holiday in one German federal state, Berlin. However, since the holiday falls on a Sunday in 2026, Berliners can’t count on an extra day off work.

Feministischer Kampftag may only be a holiday in Berlin, but demonstrations will be held across the country. If you’re heading out to a demo, you’re in luck, a sunny day is on the cards!

9. First day of spring falls on March 20

Is it almost time to fold away that big, bulky coat which got you through the German winter? We hope so. The first day of spring will arrive on March 20!

10. Clocks go forward on March 29

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for: more daylight! At 2am on Sunday, March 29, the clocks will turn forward to 3am. This means you’ll lose an hour of Sunday relaxation, but you can look forward to the evenings getting longer and longer until the summer solstice on June 21.