Germany raises debt‑collection exemption limits from July 2026

Effective 1 July 2026 a new German debt‑collection table (Pfändungstabelle) increases the amount of net earnings that cannot be seized. The basic unseizable amount rises to roughly €1,590 per month (from €1,560), and higher allowances apply for dependents – the first child raises the threshold to about €2,190, with additional increments for further children.

The change, mandated by § 850c of the Civil Procedure Code and published in the Federal Gazette, aims to better protect debtors’ minimum subsistence while still allowing creditors to collect excess income. For example, a single debtor earning €1,600 net would see only €8.82 subject to seizure. Employers, banks, Sparkassen and social‑benefit agencies must apply the new limits immediately; there is no transition period. The thresholds will be reviewed again on 1 July 2027.