Anyone who’s spent time in Germany will be well aware that finding an appointment at an office such as the Bürgeramt, going in person and filling out paperwork is an everyday part of life. 

But that could be about to change. 

A new law – the Online Access Amendment Act, which came into force on July 24th 2024 – means more administrative services must be available digitally.

It will apply to services such as applying for parental allowance, re-registering after moving house (Ummeldung) or applying to get married. 

The amendment to the Online Access Act (Onlinezugangsgesetz) sets the framework for further digitalisation of authorities and is central to user-friendly and fully digital processes, according to the government. 

Focus on key services

The federal, state and local authorities are honing on on 16 services deemed particularly important to daily life. It should be possible, for instance, to digitally apply for re-registrations, marriages, building permits, vehicle or driver’s license registration, student support, parental allowance (Elterngeld) and unemployment benefits (Bürgergeld) throughout Germany.

Previously, the number of available digital services has differed depending on where you live. 

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“This is a great benefit for citizens – and a milestone on the way to a digital state,” said Interior Minister Nancy Faeser.

In addition to the law changes, the government has also launched other points in an accompanying paper that do not require legal regulation. For instance, the government will ensure that state services are easier to find online in future.

Here’s a look at how things will work under the law:

For residents:

The government is promoting the ‘BundID’ –  a centralised account that every resident can use when filing online requests (for example with the electronic ID card). 

This will enable people to identify themselves securely and submit applications online. They will also be able to communicate with the authorities and receive notifications via a digital mailbox. Residents can also store their data to fill out forms automatically. 

All federal, state and local authorities as well as administrations such as universities and business associations can connect to the BundID, according to the government. More than 1,200 online services and portals are already accessible. 

For these services, a handwritten signature will no longer be needed in future. People will be able to apply digitally in a legally secure, simple and standardised manner using the online ID function of the ID card.

READ ALSO: Is Germany a ‘failed state’ for public digital services?

Data protection responsibilities are clearly regulated under the new law and online services have to be data compliant.

User-friendliness and accessibility of electronic administrative services will also be enshrined in law. Government services have to be easy to use and geared towards the needs of everyone. 

Meanwhile, advice on the use of digital services via the public authority number 115 will be improved so that people can get help easily. 

READ ALSO: What is Germany’s electronic ID card and how do you use it?

For companies:

Under the law, companies will be able to submit all applications via one account.

Business services will also be ‘digital only’. In concrete terms, this means that after five years, business-related administrative services will generally only be offered electronically. This could save the economy around €60 million per year, the government estimates.

For public authorities:

As with many German industries, public authorities don’t have enough employees. 

It is hoped that digitisation will counteract the workers’ shortage and reduce the workload for those currently employed.