The move supports digital registration for international guests, promoting more efficient, paper-free hotel operations. / Credit: Altrendo Images via Shutterstock
From the start of 2025, hotels in Germany have been operating under new rules introduced through the Bureaucracy Relief Act. German citizens staying in hotels are now exempt from filling out the usual paper registration forms.
Hotels also no longer need to store these documents for domestic guests. The change is intended to cut down on unnecessary paperwork and simplify day-to-day operations in the hospitality sector.
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Impact on guests and hotel operations
The reform has already eased the administrative load for both travellers and hotels. German guests no longer have to complete registration forms on arrival, and hotels save time and staff effort that would otherwise be spent collecting and keeping these records.
The Federal Statistical Office estimates that the exemption affects over 88 million overnight stays each year, saving an average of several hours of administrative work per person annually.
Relief for staff and improved service
People working in the industry have reported clear benefits. With less paperwork to handle, hotel staff can focus more on looking after guests and keeping operations running smoothly.
Lena Werner, the parliamentary rapporteur for the legislation, has pointed to the positive impact on staffing, especially at a time when many hotels are dealing with shortages in their workforce.
Progress on digital registration for international visitors
While German citizens are now exempt from hotel registration, foreign guests still need to complete the required forms. To make this process easier, authorities are working on digital registration systems for international visitors.
These efforts aim to reduce paper use, modernise guest management, and bring further efficiencies to hotel operations.
With the new rules now in force, Germany’s tourism industry is already seeing the benefits of reduced bureaucracy and a gradual shift towards more streamlined, digital ways of working.
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