Key Takeaways:
- Border controls at Germany's land borders are extended until at least September.
- The EU's EES (Entry/Exit System) is being rolled out at more airports, affecting non-EU travelers.
- Schufa credit scores become freely accessible online, offering greater transparency.
- Temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees is extended until March 2027.
- Local elections in several states and new rules on greenwashing and animal welfare labels take effect.
March in Germany marks a seasonal and regulatory turning point. As days grow longer, a significant raft of new rules and changes comes into force, directly impacting residents, travelers, and the daily rhythm of life.
Travel & Borders: Controls Stay, New Systems Arrive
For anyone planning cross-border travel, March brings three major ongoing developments centered on border management.
First, Germany's temporary internal border controls are not ending. Previously set to stop in mid-March, the federal government has decided to extend spot checks at all land borders—including with Austria, Poland, France, and the Netherlands—until at least September 2026. Travelers are advised to carry valid ID or residence documents, as delays remain possible, especially for road and rail travel.
Second, the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) continues its phased rollout at German airports ahead of full implementation in April. This new digital system replaces passport stamps for non-EU visitors entering the Schengen area for short stays with biometric checks (fingerprints and facial scans). While EU citizens and residents are unaffected, non-EU travelers should prepare for potentially longer processing times, particularly on their first use of the system.
Finally, travel to the UK now requires most travelers, including EU citizens, to have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). Enforcement by airlines and border staff is expected to become stricter from late February onwards.
Life in Germany: Finance, Protection & Elections
Beyond borders, several key domestic changes offer more transparency and stability for residents.
Greater Clarity on Credit Scores
In a significant move for financial life, Schufa—Germany's dominant credit bureau—will make individual credit scores freely accessible online from the end of March. Consumers can register for a free account to view their score. Given that this score influences everything from renting an apartment to securing a loan, this transparency allows individuals to identify and correct errors, potentially improving their financial standing.
Stability for Ukrainian Refugees
For refugees from Ukraine, the temporary protection status in Germany has been extended until March 4, 2027. Residence permits under §24 AufenthG that were due to expire in March 2026 will be automatically extended. This decision provides much-needed long-term planning security and reduces administrative burdens on immigration authorities.
Voting in Key Regional Elections
March is also an important month for local democracy:
- Municipal and district elections in Bavaria on March 8th are open to EU citizens (aged 16+) resident in the municipality.
- State elections in Baden-Württemberg (March 8th) and Rhineland-Palatinate (March 22nd) are for German citizens only (with 16-year-olds voting for the first time in Baden-Württemberg).
These results will shape policies on housing, transport, and education.
Pensions, Plates & Other Practical Updates
A mix of other changes will affect daily routines and finances.
- Pensions: Increased public health insurance contributions (averaging ~2.9%) will be reflected in March pension payments, leading to a small net reduction for retirees. Furthermore, the government will announce the legally binding statutory pension adjustment for July.
- E-Scooter & Moped Insurance: A new insurance year begins March 1st. Vehicles must display the current-year insurance plate (black for 2026). Riding without the valid plate risks a fine.
- Daylight Saving Time: Clocks spring forward one hour at 2 am on March 29th.
- Discord Age Verification: The platform begins a phased rollout of mandatory age verification via ID or facial scan.
Consumer & Environmental Rules
Quieter but impactful changes aim to increase transparency for shoppers and protect the environment.
New EU rules against greenwashing require companies to substantiate vague environmental claims like "climate-neutral." This should make sustainability labels more trustworthy.
Furthermore, fresh pork sold in Germany must now carry clearer animal welfare labels indicating how the animals were kept.
Finally, remember that hedge-trimming season is effectively over. Under nature conservation laws, radical cutting of hedges and shrubs is prohibited from March 1st until the end of September to protect nesting birds, with fines for non-compliance.
Pro Tip for Travelers: With border checks extended and EES being implemented, always allow extra time for cross-border journeys and ensure your travel documents are in order.