Child benefit in Germany (Kindergeld)

Before you start

• You live in Germany (registered address), or you are fully liable to tax in Germany.
• You have your own tax ID (Steuer-ID) and your child's tax ID.
• Your child lives in your household, or, if not, you pay the higher cash maintenance.
• A German bank account (IBAN) or another account the Familienkasse can pay into.

Documents you need

• Your tax ID and your child's tax ID

  Both are required by law. Children receive their own tax ID after their first address registration or after a birth in Germany.

  required

• Residence permit or settlement permit (non-EU citizens)

  The Familienkasse may ask for a copy. You may black out the card numbers on the front and back and details such as eye colour and height.

  optional

• Bank details (IBAN)

  required

• Proof of school, training or studies for children over 18

  For example a school certificate, training contract or university enrolment certificate.

  optional

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Check that you qualify

   You generally qualify if you live in Germany and the child lives with you in Germany, another EU or EEA country, or Switzerland. For foreign nationals there are extra conditions:

   • EU, EEA and Swiss citizens: in the first three months after moving to Germany, you only qualify if you have income from work in Germany. From the fourth month, you qualify if you meet the conditions of EU freedom of movement, for example as an employee, self-employed person, jobseeker or family member. The Familienkasse checks this itself.
   • Citizens of other countries qualify with a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or EU long-term residence permit, an EU Blue Card, an ICT Card, or a residence permit that allows work for at least six months. See the section below for the exceptions.
   • Recognised refugees and people entitled to asylum qualify. Citizens of Algeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Morocco, Montenegro, Serbia, Tunisia and Turkey can also qualify through their employment in Germany under international agreements.

   If you are unsure, the Familienkasse decides on your case. The rules are in section 62 of the Income Tax Act (EStG).

2. 2

   Step 2: Get both tax IDs

   Kindergeld requires your tax identification number and your child's tax ID. Both are issued automatically by the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) after the first address registration in Germany, or after a birth is registered here. They arrive by post, usually a few weeks later.

   If the IDs arrive after you applied, the Familienkasse can still pay for the months in which you qualified, within the six-month limit. The Familienkasse can also look up missing numbers itself. Do not wait for the letters before applying if you are close to the six-month limit.

   For a newborn, the BZSt sends the birth data to the Familienkasse, which then writes to the child with personal access data that make the online application quicker.

3. 3

   Step 3: Agree who receives it

   Only one person receives Kindergeld for each child. If both parents live with the child, they decide between them. The application contains a declaration (Berechtigtenbestimmung) that the other parent signs. This choice stays in force until it is revoked, and a revocation only applies to the future.

   If the child lives with only one parent, that parent receives it. If the child lives with neither, the parent paying more cash maintenance receives it.

4. 4

   Step 4: Apply at the Familienkasse

   The fastest route is the online application on the Familienkasse website. If you identify yourself with a BundID (for example with the online function of your ID card or electronic residence permit), the application is sent electronically and you do not need to sign anything on paper.

   Without electronic identification, you fill in the form online, print it, sign it and send it by post with any proof required. You can also download the paper forms: the main application KG1 and one Anlage Kind for each child. If there is a link to another country, for example a parent working abroad or a child living abroad, you also need the Anlage Ausland.

   The application is made to the Familienkasse responsible for where you live. Applications by phone or email are not accepted.

5. 5

   Step 5: Receive the decision and the payments

   The Familienkasse sends a written decision (Bescheid) with your Kindergeld number. Payments are made monthly by bank transfer. The last digit of your Kindergeld number determines the day in the month on which the money arrives; the Familienkasse publishes the current payment dates.

   If you disagree with a decision, you can lodge an objection (Einspruch). It must reach the Familienkasse within one month of the decision being notified, and you can submit it online.

6. 6

   Step 6: Report changes promptly

   You must tell the Familienkasse without delay if, for example, you or the other parent start working abroad or in the public sector for more than six months, a child moves out, you separate, your address or bank account changes, or anyone receives a comparable child benefit from another country. Overpaid Kindergeld must be paid back.

Which residence permits qualify (non-EU citizens)

Children living abroad and benefits from other countries

Kindergeld after the 18th birthday

Kindergeld and the tax allowance for children

Child supplement (Kinderzuschlag)

Watch out

Common mistakes

• Waiting for the tax ID letters and losing months of back payment beyond the six-month limit.
• Both parents applying separately. Only one person can receive Kindergeld for a child; agree who applies.
• Not reporting a move abroad, a separation or a child leaving the household, which can lead to repayment claims.
• Assuming a student or job-search residence permit qualifies. Without work, these permits usually do not.

Tips

• Set up a BundID account. It lets you apply without paper and use the Familienkasse's online services.
• Write down your Kindergeld number from the decision letter. You need it for every later contact.
• The Familienkasse hotline for general questions is free of charge on 0800 4 555530.

Frequently asked questions

Editorial answers written by our team, based on the sources below.

Official links

In your plan

• Apply for child benefit (Kindergeld)Add to plan
• Register your school-age children for schoolAdd to plan
• Apply for the Kita voucherAdd to plan
• Plan childcare and school for your childrenAdd to plan
• Apply for parental allowance after a birthAdd to plan

Sources

Written and checked by HomiStart editorial against the official sources below. Next scheduled check: 3 Apr 2027.