Administrative Burden Reduction Begins - Pentz Warns Against Old Habits - Hesse slashes red tape with groundbreaking Bureaucracy Reduction Act
Hesse has introduced its first Bureaucracy Reduction Act, aiming to cut red tape for residents and businesses. The law, which took effect at the start of 2026, simplifies or removes 90 regulations through over 120 separate measures. Officials now accept digital copies of documents for exams and professional approvals, replacing the need for originals or certified versions.
The new legislation allows many administrative tasks to be completed by email. This includes submitting applications, registering for exams, and obtaining professional licences. Nursing homes also face fewer reporting requirements under the updated rules.
A second law is already in development, with a focus on accelerating major projects. Another key area involves reviewing outdated government preemption rights on land purchases. Manfred Pentz, Hesse’s minister for reducing bureaucracy, oversees the reforms.
To streamline future changes, artificial intelligence will scan state laws for contradictions or obsolete provisions. This systematic approach aims to identify and remove unnecessary regulations more efficiently.
The first watch of reforms is now active, reducing paperwork and digitalising processes across Hesse. The next set of changes will target project approvals and land-use restrictions. Authorities plan to continue using technology to modernise and simplify government procedures.
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