From 1 October 2025, several new rules and obligations take effect in Germany. They affect healthcare, banking, border controls, IT systems, and even the daily routine of moving the clock back. Here is an overview of the key changes.
Electronic patient record now mandatory
Doctors, pharmacies and hospitals within the statutory health system are now required to use the electronic patient record (ePA).
Medical findings, diagnoses and prescriptions must be stored digitally. The aim is to avoid duplicate tests and improve coordination between healthcare providers.
Patients who do not wish to participate can opt out, but unless they do, practices will be obliged to upload new documents from 1 October. According to Gematik, 93 percent of practices are already connected to the necessary system.
However, the head of the German GP association, Prof. Nicola Buhlinger-Göpfarth, has warned of technical difficulties and incomplete implementation.
Importantly, image data such as X-rays or MRIs are not automatically included. Older findings must be manually uploaded by health insurers if patients request it.
EU introduces biometric border checks
On 12 October, the Entry/Exit System (EES) will begin at Schengen external borders. For non-EU citizens, border stamps will be replaced by biometric data collection: fingerprints and facial scans, along with personal details and travel times.
The system is designed to track overstays and prevent identity fraud. Implementation will be gradual until April 2026. Travellers should expect longer waiting times during the transition.
Windows 10 support ends
On 14 October, Microsoft will officially end free support for Windows 10. Millions of PCs in Germany still run on the system.
Without updates, users face increased security risks. Extended Security Updates will be available at a cost, but experts recommend upgrading to Windows 11.
New banking rules from 9 October
Bank customers across the Eurozone must adjust to two major changes:
Name check for transfers: The recipient’s name will be cross-checked against the account holder. Even small typos may trigger warnings. If customers ignore them, they bear the risk. If the bank confirms the match, the bank is liable for errors.
Instant payments become mandatory: Transfers must be credited within ten seconds, 24/7. Banks cannot charge more for instant transfers than for regular SEPA transactions.
New forms for debt enforcement
From 1 October, only new official forms may be used for debt enforcement actions such as garnishment orders and foreclosure requests. Old forms will no longer be valid and may cause delays if submitted.
Winter time returns
On Sunday, 26 October, clocks in Germany will be set back one hour at 3:00 a.m., marking the end of daylight saving time.
While many welcome the “extra hour of sleep,” EU surveys show that 84 percent of citizens would prefer to abolish the twice-yearly time change altogether.
