Kindergeld 2026: child benefit in Germany for foreigners

Who needs it

Kindergeld is a monthly payment for each child. It is the same amount for every child: €259 per child per month from 1 January 2026. It is paid by the Familienkasse (family benefits office), which is part of the Federal Employment Agency.

You can usually claim if:

• you live in Germany (residence or habitual stay), or you are fully taxable in Germany, and
• you have a German tax ID (Steuer-ID), and
• your child lives in your household in Germany, the EU or the EEA, and
• your child is under 18. It can continue up to age 25 during education or training, and longer for some children with disabilities.

Only one person receives Kindergeld per child, usually the parent the child lives with.

EU and EEA citizens

EU/EEA citizens have freedom of movement and can generally claim. There is one catch: if you move to Germany and do not work here, there is usually no entitlement for the first three months after you take up residence. If you earn income from work in Germany, this waiting period does not apply.

Non-EU citizens

It depends on your residence permit. Qualifying permits include:

• a settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or EU permanent residence
• an EU Blue Card or ICT Card
• a residence permit that allows work and is valid for at least six months

Permits for studying, vocational training, au pair work, seasonal work or job-seeking usually do not qualify, unless you are employed in some cases. Some humanitarian permits qualify under extra conditions. If you are unsure, ask the Familienkasse.

When

Apply soon after the birth, or as soon as you have your tax ID after moving. There is no strict deadline, but Kindergeld is only paid retroactively for six months before the month in which the Familienkasse receives your application.

What you need

• Your tax ID and your child's tax ID (mandatory). Babies born in Germany get theirs by post after the birth is registered. Children who move with you get one after your Anmeldung.
• Birth certificate, or for a newborn the Geburtsurkunde from the registry office (usually required)
• Your residence permit, if you are not an EU/EEA citizen (depends)
• Your German bank account details (IBAN) (mandatory)
• If your child is 18 or older: proof of school, training or studies (depends)
• If family members live or work in another EU country: details of their income and benefits there (depends)

How to do it

1. Get the tax IDs. See tax ID if yours hasn't arrived.
2. Fill in the application. You need the main form (Antrag auf Kindergeld) and a supplement for each child (Anlage Kind). You can apply online on the Federal Employment Agency website, or send the forms by post to your local Familienkasse.
3. Add the supporting documents the form asks for.
4. Wait for the decision letter (Bescheid). The Familienkasse may ask for more documents. Answer quickly, or it may refuse the application.

What happens afterwards

Kindergeld is paid monthly into your bank account. Increases happen automatically, and you don't need to apply again.

You must tell the Familienkasse about changes, for example if you move abroad, your child leaves school or training, or the child moves out. Kindergeld paid when you were not entitled must be paid back.

At tax time, the tax office automatically checks whether the Kinderfreibetrag (child tax allowance) is better for you than Kindergeld. You don't have to choose. See tax return.

Common problems

Can I get Kindergeld on a student visa?

Usually not. Residence permits for studies are excluded, unless you have another qualifying status.

My child lives in my home country outside the EU. Can I claim?

Usually not. Children living outside Germany, the EU or the EEA are generally not counted. Some social security agreements have exceptions.

How far back can Kindergeld be paid?

Only six months before the month your application arrives. Your entitlement may exist for longer, but the money for earlier months is not paid out.

What is Kinderzuschlag?

Kinderzuschlag (child supplement) is an extra payment for families with low incomes, up to €297 per child per month. It is paid in addition to Kindergeld. You apply separately at the Familienkasse. Whether you qualify depends on your income and housing costs.

Costs

Applying is free.