The German Public Broadcasting Fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) explained

If you are new to Germany, you will probably receive a letter from the ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice sooner or later. Many international professionals, students, and expats are surprised: “Why do I have to pay for television or radio when I don’t even use them?” The answer lies in Germany’s public broadcasting system. This guide…

New Customs Rules for Temu, Shein, AliExpress & Co.: What Has Applied to Orders from China andNon-EU Countries to Germany & the EU

Anyone who regularly orders from Temu, Shein, AliExpress, or other online shops outside the European Union has had to prepare for significantly higher costs since 1 July 2026. The previous €150 customs exemption threshold for e-commerce shipments has been abolished. Instead, a flat customs charge now applies to almost every shipment of goods from a…

Will Germany Abolish Minijobs? What Employees and Employers Need to Know

The debate over the future of Minijobs in Germany is gaining momentum once again. The trigger is a new set of recommendations from the Pension Commission (Alterssicherungskommission), which proposes a far-reaching reform of Germany’s low-income employment system. Some media outlets have already reported on the potential “abolition of Minijobs.” But what do these proposals actually…

Pension Age and Social Security Changes in Germany in 2026

At the beginning of 2026, a number of important adjustments will take effect in Germany’s statutory pension system. The reforms affect retirement ages, disability pensions, contribution limits and taxation. Below is a clear and practical overview of the key changes. Contribution Rate Remains Unchanged The contribution rate to the statutory pension insurance will remain stable…