Child benefit in Germany (Kindergeld): who gets it, how to apply

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Kindergeld is paid for every child, whatever the parents earn. It is not a benefit for the poor. It is the state's way of leaving families the money a child needs. Many newcomers apply late and lose months of payments.

Rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the official source named at the end before you act, and ask the office in your city, because procedures differ from town to town.

Step by step

1. Check whether you qualify

   You qualify if you live in Germany and have German or EU citizenship, or a residence permit that allows you to work in Germany for six months or longer. That covers the EU Blue Card and the normal permits for skilled workers. People with a permit for study only usually do not qualify.

   Done

2. Check the age of the child

   Kindergeld is paid until the child turns 18. It continues until 21 if the child is registered as looking for work, and until 25 during school, vocational training, university or a recognised voluntary service.

   Done

3. Get the tax IDs

   You need your own tax identification number and the child's. A child born in Germany gets one automatically after the birth is registered. A child who moves to Germany gets one after the address registration. See how to get your German tax ID.

   Done

4. Fill in the application

   The office is the Familienkasse, part of the Federal Employment Agency. The application is on arbeitsagentur.de under family and children. You can complete it online or print it. Only one parent applies.

   Done

5. Add the documents

   For a child born abroad, add the birth certificate with a certified German translation. The Familienkasse may ask for your residence permit and registration certificate.

   Done

6. Wait for the decision

   Handbook Germany gives about six weeks for a reply. The money is paid monthly into your account. The day of the month depends on the last digit of your Kindergeld number.

   Done

Good to know

Kindergeld is paid retrospectively for only the last six months before the application reached the office. Apply as soon as the child is registered in Germany.

The child normally has to live in Germany or in another EU country, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. For children who stay in Pakistan or another country outside Europe, Kindergeld is generally not paid.

Families with a low income can get a child supplement (Kinderzuschlag) on top, on application to the same office.

Tell the Familienkasse about changes at once: a move, the end of training, leaving Germany. Money paid in error has to be repaid.

In short: 259 euros per child per month in 2026. Residence permit with the right to work, tax IDs of parent and child, apply to the Familienkasse, only six months back.