2024: A Year of Change in Germany

Get ready for a year packed with changes as we explore what's in store for Germany in 2024.

Tax Shifts and Allowances

Prepare for bigger pockets with a 700 euro increase in tax-exempt income threshold and over 350 euros hike in child tax exemptions. These adjustments will reduce the number of individuals paying the so-called "solidarity tax," with exemption thresholds up to 600 euros higher as well.

However, the total Elterngeld (parental allowance) receivable will decrease by 25,000 euros in 2024. Expect around 200,000 euros for parents on parental leave in 2024, and another decrease in 2025. Also, a lift in electricity price caps will bring changes to heating bills.

Real Estate Challenges

Rising rents and a property shortage mark 2024 for the German real estate market. The market may recover by the year's end but only after a challenging first three quarters.

Dual Citizenship for Non-EU Citizens

Germany's long-anticipated new citizenship law is due in 2024. After passing through the Bundestag in 2024, the legislation allows dual citizenship for all, not just EU citizens. Foreigners can apply after five years, down from the current eight-year threshold.

Legislative Changes

The two-stage plan to legalize recreational cannabis missed the 2023 Bundestag deadline but has the potential to be adopted in 2024. If passed, adults will be allowed to possess 25 grams of cannabis for personal use, with three plants growth allowances. Additionally, the German government plans to eliminate the Blue Card permit limitation and introduce an Opportunities Card for qualified workers from non-EU countries.

Euro 2024 in Germany

The UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament graces Germany from June 14 to July 14, with matches scheduled across ten venues in Berlin, Cologne, Dortmund, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich, and Stuttgart.

Travel Perks

Travelers rejoice as numerous neighborhood connections to Germany's neighboring countries, including Poland, Austria, Netherlands, and Hungary, are introduced in 2024. Furthermore, Condor and Lufthansa expand their offerings to North America, and Eurowings flies to Iraq and Armenia.

Public Holidays

Get ready for some extra time off with Germany's 2024 public holidays. You might even consider calling Augustsburg home – the city with the most public holidays and days off.

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