Meridian · Freshness tracker

What's changed.

Dated updates to visa, tax, residency, citizenship, housing, and labour policy across every country tracked. Every entry cites its primary source and the date we last verified it.

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In force 1 Jan 2025
In force Housing

Federal Mietpreisbremse (rent-rise cap) extended to end of 2029

In June 2025 the Bundestag voted to extend the Mietpreisbremse — which caps new-contract rents in tight-market cities at 10% above the local reference rent — until the end of 2029, with cross-party support (CDU/CSU, SPD and Greens). The existing legal basis had been set to expire in 2025; the extension continues it unchanged. The federal states retain authority over which districts are designated, and dwellings first let after 2014 or after extensive modernisation remain exempt.

Who it affects: Renters signing new tenancy contracts in designated tight-market areas across Germany.

Bundesministerium für Wohnen, Stadtentwicklung und Bauwesen ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · verified 2026-07-12

In force 1 Jan 2024
In force Housing

Gebäudeenergiegesetz ("Heating Act") enters force

The amended Gebäudeenergiegesetz came into force on 1 January 2024. Most newly installed heating systems in new-build areas must use at least 65% renewable energy. Transition rules staggered by municipality size tie the full rollout in existing buildings to local heat-planning deadlines (mid-2026 for large cities, mid-2028 elsewhere).

Who it affects: Homeowners replacing boilers; renters via modernisation allocations; new-build buyers.

Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz ↗ · Bundesregierung (Federal Government) ↗ · Bundesgesetzblatt (Federal Law Gazette) ↗ · verified 2026-04-21 verify soon · 92d