Hesse slashes bureaucracy with sweeping reforms to cut red tape for all
Hesse has launched its First Administration Reduction Act, introducing over 120 changes across 90 laws to cut red tape. The reforms aim to simplify life for citizens, businesses and local councils. Digital processes, faster funding and streamlined approvals are now in place across the state.
A major change comes through amendments to the Hessian Administrative Procedure Act. The new rules establish 'text form' as the standard for hundreds of administrative tasks, allowing digital submissions instead of paper. Another key shift is the principle of personal responsibility, removing the need for original or certified documents in roughly 70 laws.
The revised grant law makes funding easier for associations and volunteer groups. Burdensome procurement rules and expenditure reports have been scaled back, speeding up financial support. For small and medium-sized businesses, reporting duties have been cut by 35%. The Hessian Building Code now ensures faster approvals for residential projects statewide. The upcoming Municipal Flexibility Act will also give cities and towns more autonomy. Together, these measures aim to create a 'trust instead of distrust' culture within public authorities. The state government is already planning a Second Administration Reduction Act. Further reforms will focus on modernising administrative procedures, adjusting threshold values and simplifying verification requirements. Minister Manfred Pentz has outlined additional steps for 2026 to keep reducing bureaucracy. Hesse’s approach is influencing federal policy. The national government has adopted a bureaucracy reporting system inspired by the state’s model, and many of Hesse’s reforms are now reflected in federal plans.
The First Administration Reduction Act is now active, with digital processes, faster funding and streamlined building approvals in effect. A second wave of reforms is already in development, targeting further cuts to red tape. The changes are also shaping broader efforts to reduce bureaucracy across Germany.
