A recent analysis by the Bitkom, the German IT industry association, reveals a mixed progress in the digitalization of public administration services across the nation. Currently, 349 out of 579 administrative procedures are offered digitally, with varying degrees of accessibility – ranging from comprehensive availability to being limited to individual municipalities.
The study indicates that 199 of these digital services are implemented in more than half of German cities and municipalities, while 165 have been deployed nationwide. However, 230 services stipulated by the Online Access Act remain entirely unavailable digitally.
The digitalization effort appears slightly more advanced regarding “focus services” which are procedures frequently requested by citizens. These, encompassing areas such as parental allowance and marriage registration, have all been digitized in at least ten percent of municipalities, with two – citizen’s income and naturalization – seeing nationwide implementation.
Public perception of local digital progress is generally positive, with 50 percent of citizens believing their municipality exhibits a high degree of digitalization. A significant 70 percent express confidence in the administrative body’s ability to manage digital technologies effectively. However, an overwhelming 90 percent of citizens advocate for an accelerated and intensified focus on digitalization initiatives. This sentiment is particularly strong among younger individuals (18-29 years old, 95 percent) and remains high among the older demographic (65 years and above, 85 percent).
The findings are based on a survey conducted by Bitkom Research, which polled 1,005 individuals aged 18 and older across Germany via telephone between the 27th and 32nd calendar weeks of 2025.
