Image: unsplash.com
The month of September makes itself known through various changes. The next significant facts could be of interest to you, if you are an expat in Germany:
1. New online banking laws
The new EU directive PSD2, came into force on September 14 aiming to improve the safety of online banking. Consequently, the old paper TAN lists clung on to by the German banks will have been abolished and replaced with a two-factor authentication.
2. Aldi begins charging for the thin plastic bags
Consciously responding to the complaints concerning the high level of plastic consumption in supermarkets, this month Aldi will begin charging for the thin plastic bags utilized for fruit and vegetables. It will soon cost you 1 cent per piece to bag up your cherries.
3. Cash incentives for midwives
Starting September, any freelance midwife who moves to Bavaria can apply for financial support from the state. They will be entitled to a one-off “settlement premium” (Niederlassungsprämie), totalling around 5.000 euros. Midwives working based on permanent contracts as well as freelance are also entitled to the bonus.
4. Munich comes in the support of your family
If you live in Munich, be prepared for reduced Kita fees from September 1 onwards. The city made the decision to lower daycare fees for municipal and non-profit facilities for families with children aged between 3 and 6 years old. For children aged between 0 and 3, you will not pay a cent unless your household income exceeds 50.000 euros. The same point applies to children aged above 6.
5. Asylum seekers are disadvantaged
From September 1st, due to a series of changes to the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act, the benefits paid out to asylum seekers in Germany will be cut. Soon, the costs for electricity and housing maintenance will be outsourced.
The month of September makes itself known through various changes. The next significant facts could be of interest to you, if you are an expat in Germany:
