May 2026: 7 changes affecting expats in Germany

Spring is in full swing! May brings three nationwide public holidays, a Deutsche Bahn price freeze, a fuel price relief measure and a new online platform for electric car subsidy applications. 

1. Public holidays in May

May will kick off with a public holiday, May Day or Labour Day (Tag der Arbeit), on May 1. The holiday is recognised across all German federal states and is typically marked with demonstrations to strengthen workers’ rights, street parties, maypole-raising, bonfires, and dancing.

There will be another public holiday in all federal states on May 14, Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt). Ascension Day marks the day Jesus ascended into heaven, after spending the 40 days following his resurrection travelling and preaching with his disciples. It is also Father’s Day in Germany.

Finally, Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag), which is a public holiday in all federal states, will fall on May 25. You can find out more about the significance of Whit Monday and how it is celebrated in Germany in our article, Pentecost: How Germany marks Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag).

2. Deutsche Bahn launches price freeze

From May 1, 2026, until May 2027, Deutsche Bahn will freeze prices for long-distance train tickets. Deutsche Bahn typically increases long-distance train tickets across the board in the autumn, but this increase will be shelved in 2026.

However, Deutsche Bahn will continue to implement dynamic pricing on long-distance tickets, meaning prices will still rise and fall depending on peak seasons and travel times. So, booking far in advance is still the best way to ensure you get the best price.

3. New fuel tax cut

The German government’s new fuel tax cut will apply from May 1. Taxes on petrol and diesel will be cut by around 17 cents per litre until the end of June.

The measure is expected to cost the public purse around 1,6 billion euros. Fuel companies will have to pay less tax. The government expects these companies to pass these savings on by reducing prices for customers.

Experts are currently divided on how long it might take until drivers feel the benefit of the fuel tax cut, and how great that benefit might be.

Since April 1, fuel stations in Germany have only been allowed to raise prices once per day, but the regulation has increased retailers' petrol margins by five to six cents per litre, according to the Düsseldorf Institute for Competition Economics. 

4. Bundesrat to vote on tax-free bonus

In mid-April, the German government announced two new measures to help cushion the blow of the oil crisis for consumers. The first is the aforementioned fuel tax cut. The second is a tax- and duty-free "relief bonus" (Entlastungsprämie).

Under the measure, employers can choose to pay their employees a tax-free bonus of up to 1.000 euros until June 30, 2027, but are not obliged to pay any bonus. The government expects the incoming tobacco tax increase to cover the shortfall incurred from the Entlastungsprämie.

The Bundestag voted the measure through on April 24. On May 8, the Income Tax Act amendment will be put to a vote in the Bundesrat, which represents the German federal states.

5. Online platform for EV subsidy applications

In January, the German government announced that it would launch a subsidy programme for low and middle-income households looking to buy an electric vehicle (EV). The subsidy allowances range from 1.500 to 6.000 euros per household.

In May, the government will launch an online portal for residents to claim the subsidy. Residents who have purchased EVs since January 1, 2026 and are eligible for the subsidy can also use the platform to make retroactive applications.

6. Additional checks for newborns

From May 15, additional checks will be made during newborn screening in Germany. Doctors will check newborn babies for signs of vitamin B12 deficiency for the metabolic diseases homocystinuria, propionic acidemia and methylmalonic acidemia.

7. May 23 designated Day of the Basic Law

The German Basic Law (Grundgesetz) is Germany’s federal constitution, which was ratified on May 23, 1949. Starting in 2026, Germany will officially designate May 23 as its Day of the Basic Law (Tag des Grundgesetzes).

The initiative, launched by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, encourages residents to engage in public and political life to maintain a healthy democracy. You can find more information about getting involved on the Ehrentag website.