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It is incredibly important to comply with the German visa photo requirements so that you can prepare your photo for your German visa as smoothly as possible and avoid unnecessary delays. Below, we’ve included everything you need to know about the German visa photo requirements.

Taking Your German Visa Photo

Before we dive in, a few ground rules. Photos must be in color, and taken within the last six months. We advise that you take home at least 6 copies of your photo, as you’ll need them for various applications and purposes during and after your move. They’re always handy to have!

1. Size

Your German visa photo must be 45 x 35mm without frame. You should cut them out of their package, but do not attach them to any paper with glue, staples, or clips.

2. Format

When taking the photo for a visa make sure that your face takes 70 to 80 percent of the whole photo. This corresponds to a height of 32 – 36mm. If your face measures less than 27mm or more than 40mm the photo will be rejected.

Don’t pose too close, too far, or not in a centered position when taking a photo. The photo must show only one person, no other persons or objects are acceptable—even for babies or young children. Avoid shadows on the background of your photo as well.

If your hair has volume, you’ll need to ensure that your entire head (including hair) is visible without reducing the size of the face, if possible. The face must be centered in the photo.

3. Focus

Photos that follow the German visa photo requirements must also have a sharp focus, be clear and have proper contrast. Make sure the photo is not blurred, too light, or lacking in contrast.

4. Lighting

Take your photo with even lightning. It should not be too dark or too light. Shadows across the face, flash reflections, or red eyes must be avoided—also for the sake of a good shot!

5. Background

You should take your photo against a neutral gray or white color. If your face and hair are light-colored, take the picture against a medium-gray background. Take your photo against a light-gray background if you have a darker face and hair.

6. Photo Quality

Your photos must be printed on high-quality paper with a print resolution of at least 600dpi when taken with a digital camera. Your photo must be clean, with natural colors, and not pixelated or damaged in any way. Photos should be in color. 

7. Eyes

One of the most important German visa photo requirements is about the eyes and facial placement. When taking the photo, look directly at the camera and keep your eyes open. Be careful not to cover your eyes with hair or glasses frames. If you wear eyeglasses, make sure there aren’t flash reflections in the lenses. As cool as it is to wear sunglasses indoors, tinted glasses and sunglasses aren’t allowed for these purposes.

8. Head Positioning and Styling

In terms of head positioning, you must orient your face directly at the camera—no tilting or angling allowed. And though they are definitely more flattering, the classic portrait poses aren’t permitted either.

Hats or head covering are generally not permitted—exceptions are only made for religious reasons. If you’re wearing a head covered, your face must be visible from the chin to the forehead.

9. Children

For children aged 9 and under, you should follow these requirements:

The face should take up 50 – 80% of the photo. This means that the face from the bottom of the chin to the crown (the top of the head, not the top of the hair) should measure between 22 and 36mm.

Your photos can be rejected only if the face measures less than 17mm or more than 40mm.

10. Babies and very young children

For children aged 5 and under, the same facial measurements apply as for children aged 9 and under. Children aged 5 and under do not need to have a neutral expression or look directly at the camera, and their heads do not have to be centered in the photo. For babies younger than one year, it is not required to have their eyes open.

⭐️ Worldify tip - German Visa photos:

All of this said, our best recommendation is to take the photos at a photo shop or location (like a DM or Rossman) that offers passport photos. It’s better to have someone who knows the German visa photo requirements than try to achieve the required results yourself.

It’s also a good idea to have a stash of high-quality biometric photographs that follow the German visa photo requirements to use as you complete other applications and German documents.

Completing the VIDEX form for your German visa is one of the crucial steps in the German visa application process. This form, called Antrag auf Erteilung eines nationalen Visums in German, or Application for a National Visa in English, captures your personal data, your reasons for arriving in Germany, and the relevant financial and employment information that makes you a compelling addition to German society. Without it, your German visa application will be deemed incomplete, and you risk your application being denied. 

Ways to complete Antrag auf Erteilung eines nationalen Visums form 

There are a few ways to fill out the German visa application form:

1. A digital form intake, called a VIDEX, preferred by most Embassies
2. The original paper/pdf form, downloadable from some Embassies
3. Certain Embassies partner with other providers (ie: TLS, VFS) and they may populate the form using different data intakes

We’ll have a guide for the paper form as well, but for today’s purposes, we’re breaking down the VIDEX form. 

What is the VIDEX form for German visa applications?

The VIDEX form, which can be found here is an application form for a National D visa. A National D visa is not an actual residence title, but it allows you to enter Germany with the purpose of beginning work—and often allows you to begin work as soon as you arrive. Once you arrive in Germany, you’ll need to transition that National D visa into a residence title (residence permit or Blue Card), which will come with a different set of paperwork. 

The VIDEX is not a complex form, but it is thorough, and it’s important that you complete it accurately so that the local Embassy can quickly approve your German visa. Any misinformation or incomplete form fields may lead to your application being rejected—so take your time and be methodical in completing it! In the guide below, we’ll go step by step through the form, with explanations and tips for how to complete the German visa VIDEX form as accurately and thoroughly as possible. 

How to complete the German visa VIDEX form

Section 1: Information on the applicant 

While filling in your first and last name, be careful to ensure that the names match your identification documents (e.g. passport).

If you indicate that you are married or have a child, the VIDEX form will expand. Again, make sure that their names match their identification documents (e.g. passports), and are accurately written on the documents linking them to you (e.g. marriage certificates or birth certificates). 

Section 2: Information on the applicant's parents

Fill in the details of your parents.

Section 3: Occupational Information

Here you should choose the closest occupation from the drop-down list. You can always can add additional context in the additional lines. 

Section 4: Contact Information

Add in your current contact information. If you are currently living abroad, checking the box will prompt a box to expand so that you can add in information about your current residence title. 

Section 5: Passport Information

Copy in your passport information, again checking to ensure that everything is correct and there are no typos or date mix-ups. 

Section 6: Travel Information

Here is where you’ll tell the German government when you intend to enter the country, and until when you would like to have your visa valid. 

For the “From” date, we generally advise choosing a date that allows you enough time to get set up in Germany before you begin work. If you start work on August 01, then, it might be a good idea to say your entry date in Germany will be July 25. If you start work on August 01 and enter August 01 as the entry date, you will likely not be allowed to enter until August 01, which means that you cannot fly into Germany before then and therefore cannot start working on that date. 

For the “To” date—residence permits are generally issued valid for 3 years, and Blue Cards for 4 years. The exception would be if your employment contract is limited to a certain date—in which case, your permit will only be granted valid while the contract is valid. We generally recommend that applicants enter their entry date plus three or four years, depending on which residence title they qualify for. 

• So if I entered on August 01 2000, and was applying for a residence permit, I would put in the “To” date of August 01 2003
• And if I entered on August 01 2000, and was applying for a Blue Card, I would put in the “To” date of August 01 2004

at you

Section 7: Reference Information

We often get questions about what to enter in the VIDEX form “Reference” section. To make it easy, we advise just using your Employer contact. Use the contact details of your Employer (or University, if you are a student), and the personal details of your contact—usually an HR representative or manager. 

Section 8: Financial Information

In this section, what Germany really wants to know is that you won’t be a drain on the state’s social benefits upon arrival. Germany has a very robust social benefits program, including solid unemployment benefits—but they want to welcome you to add to the economy, not tax it! So this is your chance to reassure them that you are financially stable and will be gainfully employed when you arrive in Germany. 

We generally recommend that you fill in the form with, “Employment contract and savings”, but if “Savings” is not relevant to you, you can leave it off. 

Section 9: Additional Information

In this final section, you’ll show the German government that you are not a threat to society, and indicate any previous trips to Germany. Choosing “Yes” to answer the question, “Have you visited Germany before?” will expand to add details of your previous trips. Complete this as accurately as possible.

When you’re done, you’ll click “Complete”, which will generate a printable version of the form as a PDF. Print out the copies you need (most Embassies require at least two, if not more), and bring along your biometric photos—for more information on the photos, you can check out Biometric Photo Guide here. 

With that, you're all set! If you have more questions about the visa or residence title processes, look for more information and helpful guides in your Worldify dashboard. 🔵

Do you need to change your address in Germany? Like everything in this country, it's not difficult, but it is a bit technical. We've broken down everything you need to know below!

If you’ve been here long enough, you’ve probably noticed that Germany is charmingly (or ludicrously) dependent on the postal service for important letters. That makes forwarding your mail in Germany incredibly important when you’re moving house. The good news is that it’s pretty straightforward to both update your address with the Deutsche Post, and to forward your mail to your new home or a different address while you are on holiday. 

🚨 Attention Berliners:

For Berliners, one really important thing to realize is that when you change your address in your Germany, you need to do it twice. That’s because there are two different types of mail providers in Berlin: the regular post, and what’s called Pin Mail, a private postal service that works with select providers to send registered mail. One of these providers is the city of Berlin, which encompasses all city services, including the Ausländerbehörde. This means that if you do not change your address with them, it is likely that your important immigration papers will be delivered to the wrong address. 

How to change your address in Germany 

Changing your address in Germany is simple—and best of all, digital. Believe it or not, the Deutsche Post offers Nachsendeservice online! The only painful part is that this process has to be done in German, but fear not! We’ve got an English breakdown of their form below. 

1. Visit the Nachsendeservice site
2. Complete the information intake (breakdown below in English) 
3. Submit and live your life! 

Tutorial: Change your address in Germany

The Deutsche Post Nachsendeservice

Here’s a quick English guide through the Deutsche Post’s Nachsende German site’s online address change form. 

Cost of changing your address in Germany

There is a charge to change your address in Germany with the Deutsche Post, but it’s not terribly expensive. And definitely worth it to make sure your mail gets delivered to the right place! 

Pricing: €23.90 for 6 months or €30.90 for 12 months

Tutorial: Forward your mail in Germany

At some point during your stay abroad, you may wish to spend an extended period of time outside of Germany—whether back in your home country or somewhere else in this great wide world. When you do, don’t forget to forward your Deutsche Post. This keeps your address registered where it is, but sends your mail onwards to a designated address while you are out of town. 

Important! Pin mail in Germany

We can’t stress this enough—if you live in Berlin, do not forget to change your address with the Pin mail as well. Like the Deutsche Post, this is simple and digital. And like the the Nachsendeservice, it is all in German. (Don’t worry—we’ve done an English guide for this too). 

1. Visit the Pin mail site
2. Complete the information intake (breakdown below in English) 
3. Submit and live your life! 

If you do not live in Berlin, you do not need to worry about this piece of red tape. Lucky you!

Tutorial: Changing your pin mail address in Germany

Here’s a quick English guide through the Pin Mail's German site’s online address change form.

Cost of changing your pin mail address in Germany

Like with the Deutsche Post, it does cost a little to set up this service. But given how many important pieces of mail come through this provider, it’s definitely the right call to do so. 

Pricing:  €29.90 for 6 months or €39.90 for 12 months

Tutorial: Forward your pin mail in Germany

When all you want to do is forward your pin mail, you’ll simply check the box “Vorübergehende Abwesenheit” (Temporary Absence) at the top of the form.

There you have it! Not so tricky to do—especially when you use our guides—but incredibly important, so don't skip this step! Best of luck with your move!   🔵

What is one of the top complaints for expats in Germany? Sunday shopping in Germany. Or more specifically—the lack thereof.

In Germany, most businesses are closed on Sundays and on public holidays. Even supermarkets are closed, so people who move to Germany quickly learn to do their grocery shopping in advance. And heaven help you in the days before a long weekend in Germany. The scenes in the shops are near apocalyptic!

Fortunately, some grocery stores and pharmacies are open on Sundays. There are also special Sundays where stores are allowed to open.‍

Why are shops closed on Sunday in Germany? ‍

There's actually a law in Germany, the "Ladenschlussgesetz" or Shop Closing Law, that governs shops opening. It's been a federal German law since 1956, and it bans retail stores of all kinds from opening their doors on Sundays and public holidays, along with some other restrictions.

Why? Well, some (e.g. the churches and certain trade unions) believe that Sunday should be used to relax. The trade union especially believes that keeping all shops closed on Sundays helps business for smaller, individually-run companies who potentially couldn't afford to pay wages for extra hands on the weekend. (How this helps them compete with online businesses, I couldn't say. 🤷‍♀️)

And workers have a lot of rights in Germany. Data from the Federal Statistical Office shows that almost every 5th employee works on a Sunday or public holiday each month. This is why and how the trade union has repeatedly complained - mostly successfully - against the shopping Sundays.

While individual states were given more freedom to make their own rules in 2006, Sunday shopping remains largely a no-go throughout the country. Even in Berlin, there are a maximum of 12 shopping Sundays a year.

‍What is open on Sundays in Germany?‍

On Sundays, most shops in Germany must close. There are however a few designated Sunday shopping days each year and very limited exceptions for certain shops.

‍Are shops ever open on Sundays in Germany?

Yes. Some shops will stay open on Sundays. There's a limited selection of grocery stores and drogeries that you can count on for Sunday shopping in Germany. Most of them are in transit hubs—train stations or airports. Flea markets and farmer's markets are also solutions of Sunday shopping in Germany. Both are a great opportunity to check out local fare and produce. Additionally, there are shopping Sundays (Verkaufsoffene Sonntage). These are set Sundays each year when shops have the option to open. Not all shops will do it, but many will, at least for a little while!

‍Shops that participate in shopping Sundays:‍

The following shops regularly participate in special shopping Sundays in Germany:

• Most shopping malls
• Furniture stores
• Electronics stores
• Some supermarkets

Tips for dealing with Sunday shopping in Germany‍

The lack of Sunday shopping in Germany is one of my biggest pet peeves with this country. But over the course of 7+ years living here, I've collected a few tips.

Keep a store of basics‍

Even in a small kitchen, a few packages of dried goods (pasta, tomato paste, canned veggies) will go a long way to put together a quick meal when you've forgotten to go shopping on Saturday

Embrace your city's Sunday shopping hacks‍

In Berlin, that means visiting the spätis. In Munich, check out the city's many local product vending machines.

Treat yourself to a night out‍

Even if shops are closed, most restaurants will be open. Grab a friend or your family and go check out a local spot.

Or treat yourself to a night in‍

Perhaps one of the few good things to come out of Covid is the number of restaurants offering delivery through Wolt or Lieferando. It's easy to order in and support local businesses—especially on those days when you can't get up the energy to get off the couch.

With all this in mind, you should be set for Sunday success. And remember, same rules apply for public holidays in Germany!   🔵

If you’re wondering where to live in Germany, rest assured, there’s no wrong answer. The major cities in Germany are some of the best places in Europe to live. The architecture is beautiful, the people are friendly and welcoming, and there's lots to do for recreation and entertainment. However, it can be difficult deciding where to live in Germany because each city has its own distinct personality. Each city has its own unique flavor, from the buzzing metropolis of Berlin to the traditional and charming Nuremberg. In this post, we will explore the pros and cons of some of the most popular cities in Germany to help you decide which one might be the best fit for you. 

Where to live in Germany:

When it comes to deciding where to live in Germany, some of the major cities in Germany might appeal more strongly to you than others do. While you should let your gut impressions steer you, a little research never hurt!  Let's dive in!

Berlin

Berlin is the vibrant and dynamic capital city of Germany. This bustling, cosmopolitan city has a rich history and a vibrant culture. Berlin is known for its world-famous museums, iconic landmarks such as the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate, and incredible nightlife. People from all over the world flock to Berlin for its vibrant art scene, tolerant and experimental communities, trendy bars, and exceptional food. 

Pros of living in Berlin:

Affordable cost of living, large international / expat community, world-class museums, excellent public transportation, and a thriving tech and start-up industry. 

Cons of living in Berlin:

Expensive cost of living, harsh winters, bureaucratic red tape, and a high crime rate.

Munich

Munich is a charming and historic city located in the heart of Bavaria. It is best known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and exceptional food and beer. And don’t forget the world-renowned Oktoberfest, which attracts millions of visitors from around the world every year. Its proximity to lakes and the Alps make it especially popular with nature lovers.

Pros of living in Munich include: 

Strong economy, beautiful parks, large international / expat community, excellent public transportation and airport connections, and a high quality of life. 

Cons of living in Munich include: 

Expensive cost of living, conservative mindset, mostly German spoken, and a lack of diversity.

Hamburg

One of the more overlooked major cities in Germany, Hamburg is a bustling port city in northern Germany. Hamburg's maritime history is evident throughout the city, from the old warehouses of the Speicherstadt to the impressive Elbphilharmonie concert hall, built on the site of an old warehouse. Visitors can also explore the city's numerous museums, including the Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model railway in the world. The city is also known for its lively music scene, with countless live music venues and festivals throughout the year.

Pros of living in Hamburg include: 

Excellent job opportunities, affordable cost of living, large international / expat community, beautiful architecture, and a lively nightlife. 

Cons of living in Hamburg include: 

Mostly German spoken, Gray and rainy weather, high levels of pollution, and a lack of diversity.

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is a modern, cosmopolitan city located in the heart of Germany. It's known for its rich cultural heritage and status as a major financial hub, home to the European Central Bank and numerous multinational corporations. It’s also the only major city in Germany with a real skyline. One of Frankfurt's most impressive landmarks is the Römerberg, a beautiful square in the heart of the city that is lined with historic buildings, including the famous Römer town hall. The city also boasts numerous world-class museums, such as the Städel Museum, which houses an impressive collection of European art, and the German Film Museum. 

Pros of living in Frankfurt include: 

Strong economy, excellent public transportation and airport connections, vibrant nightlife, and international community. 

Cons of living in Frankfurt include: 

Expensive cost of living, busy traffic, and harsh winters.

Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is a chic and fashionable city located in Western Germany. It's known for its high-end fashion boutiques and vibrant nightlife. Düsseldorf's art and culture scene is world-renowned, with numerous museums and galleries throughout the city, including the Kunstpalast and the Museum Kunstpalast. Residents also enjoy the city's many parks and gardens, including the beautiful Hofgarten and the Rheinpark .It also hosts the largest Japanese population in Europe after London and Paris, and food critics suggest that Düsseldorf has the best Japanese cuisine in Europe. 

Pros of living in Düsseldorf include: 

Strong economy, affordable cost of living, large international / expat community, close proximity to Cologne and Bonn, and a high quality of life. 

Cons of living in Düsseldorf include: 

Mostly German spoken, unpredictable weather, and a small city feel.

Cologne

Though it’s one of the smaller major cities in Germany, Cologne is still lively and progressive. Cologne's stunning cathedral, the Kölner Dom, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks and one of the most visited attractions in Germany. This Western German city is also known for its world-class museums, including the Museum Ludwig, which features an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Cologne is also known for its lively LGBTQ+ community and hosts one of the largest Pride festivals in Europe.

Pros of living in Cologne include: 

LGBTQ+ friendly, affordable cost of living, close proximity to Düsseldorf and Bonn, and a lively culture. 

Cons of living in Cologne include: 

Can be more traditional, mostly German spoken, not as architecturally beautiful as other German cities, and can be crowded during peak tourist season.

Nuremberg

Nuremberg is a charming medieval city located in northern Bavaria. Nuremberg's medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to some of the city's most impressive landmarks, including the Imperial Castle and the Albrecht Dürer House. The city is also famous for its Christmas market, which attracts millions of visitors each year with its festive atmosphere, delicious food, and unique crafts.

Pros of living in Nuremberg include: 

Affordable cost of living, excellent public transportation, a strong economy, and a high quality of life. 

Cons of living in Nuremberg include: 

Harsh winters, mostly German spoken, lack of diversity, and a small city feel.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a thriving city located in southern Germany. Stuttgart's world-class museums include the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum, which celebrate the city's strong ties to the automotive industry. The city is also home to numerous beautiful parks, including the sprawling Rosenstein Park and the Schlossgarten, which offers stunning views of the city. Stuttgart is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous theaters, music venues, and festivals throughout the year.

Pros of living in Stuttgart include: 

Strong economy, excellent public transportation, vibrant nightlife and cultural scene, and a high quality of life. 

Cons of living in Stuttgart include: 

Expensive cost of living, mostly German spoken, busy traffic, and harsh winters.

Where to live in Germany depends on your own interests.

Berlin is ideal for those seeking a dynamic and diverse city with plenty of cultural attractions, while Munich is perfect for those who prefer a quieter, more traditional German experience. Hamburg is a bustling port city with a thriving music scene, while Frankfurt is a modern and cosmopolitan city with a strong financial industry. Düsseldorf is a chic and fashionable city with a high quality of life, Cologne is a lively and progressive city with a rich history, Nuremberg is a charming medieval city with a world-renowned Christmas market, and Stuttgart is a bustling city with a thriving automotive industry. As you consider where to live in Germany, you should also think about your personal interests and whether there is a job market for your professional skills in your chosen location.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our little tour through the German cities. If you want to get a better feel for them, we highly recommend reading some local blogs or browsing Instagram and TikTok for advice from other expats. And if you’re not sure where to start? Let us know in the comments!   🔵

Whether you’re living in Germany or just visiting, knowing the dates of the German public holidays is extremely important. On most of these dates, businesses and public institutions will close or have reduced hours. This means if you’re living here, you’ll need to take care of essential errands (like grocery shopping) in advance. And if you’re visiting, you’ll need to plan for restaurant and attraction closures. 

To make sure that you don’t miss out on anything important, we’ve put together a list of the German public holidays, the state holidays for Berlin (Brandenburg) and Munich (Bavaria), and some additional important dates for your calendar.

What to know about German Public Holidays

There are nine official national public holidays in Germany each year. Additionally, there are regional holidays particular to each German state. This means that some German states (ahem, Bavaria) have more German holidays than others. Other German states (*cough cough, Berlin) get less. 

As an American, it was wild to learn that many of the German bank holidays are religious and date back centuries. One notable exception is the Day of German Unity on 3 October, which commemorates the anniversary of German reunification in 1990. 

How public holidays work in Germany

On public holidays, most businesses are closed, just like on Sundays.

Many businesses – but not police stations or hospitals – close during national holidays in German and regional public holidays.

Just like on Sundays, pretty much all of German shops and attractions will be closed. So plan to do your grocery shopping well in advance!

Some restaurants may be open, but many will close for the holiday or observe shorter hours. If there’s a spot you want to go on a German public holiday, it’s good to call in advance and verify if they will be open. Don’t trust Google—it’s often wrong!

⭐️ Visit here for a list of shops that are likely to be open in Berlin, and here for a list in Munich.

Employees get a paid vacation day

If you’re an employee, you’ll get the public holiday day off, but still get paid.

Your holiday scheduled is determined by where you work—not by where you live. So if you are living in Berlin but working for an office in Munich, you’ll celebrate the Bavarian public holiday schedule. But you won’t get International Women’s Day (March 8) off, as that’s a Berlin holiday. 

There are no “observed” holidays in Germany

If you were living in Germany in 2022, you probably noticed there were noticeably fewer days off over the course of the year. The annual rotation caused most of the major public holidays in Germany to fall on weekends in 2022. And unlike other countries, Germany doesn’t “observe” holidays that fall on weekends on other days. If it falls on a weekend, that’s just the luck of the year. 

They’ve been talking about changing this for years, but so far, no significant progress has been made to change this. 

Ok—so what are the days?

Add German Public Holidays to your digital calendar: 

• Instructions for Google Calendar
• Instructions for Apple Calendar (iOS)
• Instructions for Apple Calendar (Mac)

Germany Public Holidays 2023

• 1 January (Sunday): New Year’s Day (Neujahrstag)
• 7 April (Friday): Good Friday (Karfreitag)
• 10 April (Monday): Easter Monday (Ostermontag) 
• 1 May (Monday): Labor Day (Maifeiertag) 
• 18 May (Thursday): Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt, 40 days after Easter)
• 29 May (Monday): Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) – seventh Monday after Easter, also called Pentecost Monday
• 3 October (Tuesday): Day of German Unity (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) 
• 25 December (Monday): Christmas Day (Weihnachtstag) 
• 26 December (Tuesday): Saint Stephen’s Day (Stephanstag) – also known as the second day of Christmas

Berlin Public Holidays 2023

• 1 January (Sunday): New Year’s Day (Neujahrstag)
• 8 March (Wednesday): International Women’s Day – Berlin
• 7 April (Friday): Good Friday (Karfreitag)
• 10 April (Monday): Easter Monday (Ostermontag) 
• 1 May (Monday): Labor Day (Maifeiertag) 
• 18 May (Thursday): Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt, 40 days after Easter)
• 29 May (Monday): Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) – seventh Monday after Easter, also called Pentecost Monday
• 3 October (Tuesday): Day of German Unity (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) 
• 25 December (Monday): Christmas Day (Weihnachtstag) 
• 26 December (Tuesday): Saint Stephen’s Day (Stephanstag) – also known as the second day of Christmas

Munich Public Holidays 2023 

If you’re living in Bavaria, congratulations! You get to enjoy up to 13 days of German public holidays a year, one of the highest public holiday entitlements in Europe.

• 1 January (Sunday): New Year’s Day (Neujahrstag)
• 6 January (Friday): Epiphany (Heilige Drei Könige)
• 7 April (Friday): Good Friday (Karfreitag)
• 10 April (Monday): Easter Monday (Ostermontag) 
• 1 May (Monday): Labor Day (Maifeiertag) 
• 18 May (Thursday): Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt, 40 days after Easter)
• 29 May (Monday): Whit Monday (Pfingstmontag) – seventh Monday after Easter, also called Pentecost Monday
• 8 June (Thursday): Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam)
• 15 August (Tuesday): Assumption Day (Maria Himmelfahrt)
• 3 October (Tuesday): Day of German Unity (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) 
• 1 November (Wednesday): All Saints’ Day (Allerheiligen)
• 25 December (Monday): Christmas Day (Weihnachtstag) 
• 26 December (Tuesday): Saint Stephen’s Day (Stephanstag) – also known as the second day of Christmas

Additional Important Cultural Days in Germany in 2023

• 20 February (Monday): Shrove Monday
• 21 February (Tuesday): Shrove Tuesday, also known as Carnival
• 22 February (Wednesday): Ash Wednesday, also known as Carnival
• 26 March (Sunday): Clocks go forward one hour as a result of daylight saving time starting
• 14 May (Sunday): Mother’s Day (second Sunday of May)
• 18 May (Thursday): Father’s Day (Vatertag, also known as Männertag/Herrentag, Men’s Day) – coincides with Ascension Day and can be a family celebration or celebrated by an outing with male friends
• 9 September (Saturday): German Language Day
• 10 September (Sunday): European Heritage Days – when monument buildings are opened to the public
• 16 September (Saturday): Oktoberfest starts
• 20 September (Wednesday): German World Children’s Day
• 29 October (Sunday): Clocks go back one hour as a result of daylight saving time ending
• 9 November (Thursday): Fall of the Berlin Wall
• 11 November (Saturday): St Martin’s Day – a religious observance where children take part in lantern processions
• 19 November (Sunday): National Day of Mourning – victims of war are remembered and in some regions, music or dance events are illegal
• 6 December (Wednesday): Saint Nicholas Day

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