The tenth month of the year is here – and with it, a series of changes that affect everyday life in Germany.
From healthcare and banking to EU travel and even energy bills, October 2025 is packed with important updates. Here is an overview of what to expect this month.
Digital patient record becomes standard
Starting October 1, 2025, the electronic patient record (ePA) becomes mandatory unless individuals explicitly opt out.
Medical providers must now use the system, which stores diagnoses, prescriptions and treatment information securely on servers in Germany.
The Health Ministry promises that the system meets the highest EU data protection standards while aiming to make care safer and more efficient.
Instant SEPA transfers for everyone
From October 9, 2025, banks and payment providers across the SEPA area must offer instant transfers under the same conditions as regular ones – meaning free of charge.
Transfers will be processed within seconds, 24/7, without the previous €100,000 limit. Additionally, a new recipient verification system will compare account names and IBANs to reduce mistaken transfers before they are finalized.
New EU entry and exit system (EES)
On October 12, 2025, the European Union will gradually roll out the Entry/Exit System (EES) at external borders, including Germany.
The new system will replace passport stamps for short stays of up to 90 days. Instead, biometric data such as fingerprints and facial images will be collected.
Authorities say EES will improve border security, combat overstays and make controls faster for both staff and travelers.
Full implementation across the Schengen area (except Ireland and Cyprus) is planned by April 2026.
Windows 10 gets extended support
Microsoft originally planned to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025.
Following criticism, the company has now announced a one-year extension of free security updates under the “Extended Security Updates” program.
Users will need to log in with a Microsoft account every 60 days to continue receiving updates.
Seasonal and local changes
Hedge cutting permitted again: From October, garden owners can resume heavy trimming of hedges and shrubs after the March–September ban designed to protect nesting birds.
End of heat pump privilege: As of October 1, landlords can no longer allocate heating costs from central heat pump systems based on flat rates or square meters; billing must be based on actual consumption.
Time change: On the night of October 26, clocks will be set back one hour, marking the switch from daylight saving to standard time.
Special event: Cooling towers demolition
On October 25, 2025, the 160-meter-high cooling towers of the decommissioned Gundremmingen nuclear power plant in Bavaria will be demolished.
The towers, visible landmarks for decades, will be brought down at noon – an event expected to attract large crowds of both protesters and curious spectators.
Halloween closes the month
Finally, October 31 brings Halloween. Children dressed as witches, ghosts and vampires will go door-to-door asking for treats.
The tradition has roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain, when people believed the boundary to the spirit world was especially thin.
Today, handing out candy remains the simplest way to appease modern “spirits” at the door.
