Kindergeld: a simple guide to child benefits in Germany

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Raising a child in Germany? You are probably entitled to Kindergeld: a monthly financial benefit provided by the German government to support families. Whether you’ve just arrived or are getting settled as an expat, understanding how Kindergeld works can make a real difference in managing your finances.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: who qualifies, how much you can expect, and how to apply, including new digital methods that make the process quicker and paper-free. No legal jargon, no confusing bureaucracy: only simple answers.

If you are still confused or have questions, feel free to leave a question in the comments section. I answer all questions personally.

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Bastien – Settle in Berlin

TL;DR – Kindergeld in Germany at a glance

This guide is a comprehensive overview. Here are the main points:

  • What it is: Kindergeld is a monthly child benefit from the German government to help with the cost of raising children.
  • Who gets it: Any parent living in Germany with a valid residence status and registered address, regardless of citizenship.
  • How much: As of 2026, €259 per child per month, regardless of the number of children. There are additional benefits for low-income households.
  • How to apply: Apply online using your BundID account or via paper forms through the Familienkasse. We explain how below.
  • When to apply: As soon as your child is born or you’ve moved to Germany; retroactive payments are possible for up to 6 months.
  • Child benefits are tax free, but you need to include them in your tax declaration.

Who can receive Kindergeld in Germany?

Germany’s children allowance finds it roots in the belief that every child should have access to basic care, food, clothing and living space. It is defined in the corpus of laws called Bundeskindergeldgesetz (BKGG). Germany is contributing to parents’ financial burden, provided they fit these criteria:

  • Your child is under 18 years-old (or between 18 and 25 years-old too, under certain additional conditions).
  • Your child is cared for by your and lives most of the time in your household.
  • You live and work in Germany (or you are a German citizen and have residence in the EU, Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, Lichtenstein).

Child benefits is not subject to income limitations. It is provided to any and all parents that qualify the criteria above.

How much Kindergeld can I get?

The amount is set by law Germany-wide. In 2026, it is 259€ per child.

The Kinderzuchlag

Kinderzuschlag is a top-up benefit designed to support families who earn enough to cover their own living expenses but might struggle to provide fully for their children. Think of it as Kindergeld’s big sibling:

While Kindergeld is a universal child benefit that everyone with kids in Germany can receive, Kinderzuschlag (or KiZ for short) kicks in to help lower-income households bridge the gap for a fixed period of 6 months (renewable).

From January 2026, it can add up to 297€ per child per month on top of the regular Kindergeld. To apply, you’ll need to go through the Familienkasse (same folks who handle Kindergeld). The application can be done online as you apply for Kindergeld too, and they’ll ask for details like income, rent, and childcare costs. It’s a bit of paperwork, yes, but if you’re eligible, the extra support can really make a difference.

Eligibility rules: your total household income is above the Bürgergeld threshold, but below the maximum KiZ limit (this varies based on rent, number of children, income, and partner’s status). More info here.

How long do I get Kindergeld in Germany?

As a general rule, child benefit is paid by the state from birth until the child reaches adulthood. Parents can still apply for an extension of those benefits beyond that point in the following cases:

  • From the age of 18 to 21: Children currently studying without work
  • From the age of 18 to 25:
    • Children currently studying
    • Children currently waiting on a traineeship, internship.
    • Children in the transitional period of up to four months between leaving school and starting training or voluntary service.
    • Children doing a voluntary year of social or environmental service in another certified voluntary service organisation.
  • Over the age of 25: Children with a disability who cannot support themselves

How does payment work?

Child benefits in Germany will be paid to only one person, usually one of the parents or legal care takers. In the case of multiple siblings, it’s all paid in one lump sum.

Payment are made a specific intervals each month. You can find out exactly when you will be paid by referring to your Kindergeldnummer, which you can find on the documents you receive. This number looks like this: xxxFKxxxxx9. Take the last digit in this series of number and refer to this page to see exact dates.

Good to know for the first payment: you get a full month’s worth of Kindergeld, even if your kind was born on the last day of that month.

Kindergeld child benefits in Germany infographics

What steps do i need to take to apply for Kindergeld?

You can apply via printed forms or online if you have Bund-ID or eID.

How apply for child benefits offline with forms in Germany

How apply for child benefits offline with forms in Germany

  1. Fill in those forms

    You will need to find and fill in Antrag auf Kindergeld KG1 and Anlage Kind zum Hauptantrag Kindergeld KG1-AnK. You can find both forms in English or other languages available here (click on “in anderen Sprachen“).

    Each PDF contains guidance on how to fill in those documents. Don’t forget that both parents/legal guardians need to sign them. Alternatively, you can apply directly online via this page, but in German only.

  2. Include additional documents if necessary

    You will need to submit additional documentation:

    If your kid was born in Germany less than 6 months prior to application date, a copy of a birth certificate will be enough. In all other cases, you will need to provide a Haushaltsbescheinigung KG 3a as well (German version here and translation available here), which needs to be stamped by your local Bürgeramt first.

    If you are EU/EEA citizen, you will need to fill in the Anlage EU KG1-AnEU and have your employer fill in a certificate (if applicable).’

    If at least one of the parents is working outside of Germany, you will need to fill in the Anlage Ausland KG51.

    If you are in Germany on a residence permit, you will need to include a copy of that too.

  3. Find the right Familienkasse for your city and send them the forms

    If you went with paper version, you need to send them your application by post. You can find out which Familienkasse in yours by entering your postal code on this page.

  4. Your Familienkasse will send you a written confirmation.

    You will receive by post after a few weeks to let you know whether you are eligible or not. If the outcome is not satisfactory, there is always the possibility to appeal the decision

  5. Receive the money every month.

    Keep an eye on your bank account to make sure you receive the money in due time.

How to apply for Kindergeld online using BundID or eID

You can now apply for Kindergeld fully online through the official digital portal provided by the German government. This modern option eliminates the need to send paper forms by post. Here’s how the digital process works:

  1. Create or log in to your BundID account
    Learn here what the BunID is and how to set-it up. This account lets you access a range of German public services online. If you already have a BundID, just log in.
  2. Access the digital application form
    After logging in with your BundID or verifying your identity, navigate to the digital Kindergeld application form on the Familienkasse website. The form is interactive and pre-fills some data based on your digital ID.
  3. Submit supporting information
    You will need to enter your personal data and your child’s details, including both Steuer-ID numbers. In many cases, additional documents (like the birth certificate) can be uploaded digitally during the process.
  4. Submit the application
    Once completed, you can submit the application directly through the portal. A confirmation receipt will be sent to your account, and you’ll be notified of updates via email or through your BundID dashboard.

This method is secure, paperless, and significantly faster than the traditional postal process.

Which steps do I need to get Kindergeld for additional kids

As you already receive child benefits in Germany, the Familienkasse already “knows” you and you won’t need to start that process from scratch. Instead, you only need to let them know about your new child.

Don’t forget to include a copy of the birth certificate again. This process is much faster than a full new application, as your existing benefit status and verified identity are already on file.

Credits: Photo by Magda Ehlers from Pexels

Kindergeld and Kinderfreibetrag: for higher earners

The Kinderfreibetrag is a tax-free allowance that reduces your taxable income (in 2026, it is 9600€ per child split between both parents).
When you file your tax return, the Finanzamt runs what’s called a Günstigerprüfung (“which is better” check). It compares what you already received via Kindergeld against what you would have saved in taxes had the Kinderfreibetrag been applied instead. Two outcomes are possible:

  1. The Kinderfreibetrag gives you more: the allowance is applied, your taxable income goes down, and the Kindergeld you already received is offset against your tax refund. You come out ahead.
  2. The Kindergeld gives you more (or the same): nothing changes. You keep what you received, and the Kinderfreibetrag is not applied.

In practice, the Kinderfreibetrag only wins out at higher income levels, typically when you are in a high tax bracket. For most families on average incomes, Kindergeld is already the better deal. The Finanzamt will make sure you land on the right side either way.

FAQ

Yes, even if you have a stepchild, a grandchild or a foster child in your care, you can still apply for Kindergeld in Germany.

I’m a bit late applying for Kindergeld. Is it bad and can I get the lump sums retroactively?

It’s perfectly ok but there is a little caveat: retroactive payments are only possible up to 6 months before application date. This means you should apply at the latest 6 months after your child is born to avoid any financial loss on that front.

Kindergeld vs Elterngeld: what’s the difference

Kindergeld and Elterngeld are both family benefits in Germany but serve different purposes.
Kindergeld is a long-term monthly child allowance provided to all parents living in Germany to help with general child-rearing costs, regardless of income.

Elterngeld is a short-term income replacement benefit for new parents who temporarily stop or reduce work to care for a newborn, usually paid for up to 12-14 months and based on prior earnings (typically 65-100% of the previous net salary).

While Kindergeld is universal, Elterngeld is conditional on income loss and recent employment.

I am not an EU citizen and my kids also not, am I still eligible?

In most cases yes:

  • Citizens from the following countries are eligible if they have employment in Germany or currently use unemployment benefits/Krankengeld.: Algerien, Bosnien-Herzegowina, Kosovo, Marokko, Montenegro, Serbien, Tunesien oder Türkei.
  • Citizens from any other country are eligible if they hold a residence permit that lets them work in Germany.
  • Refugees and asylum applicants are also eligible to Kindergeld in Germany.

Is Kindergeld subject to income tax?

No, but you must declare it when filing your yearly tax declaration (in Anlage Kind). You can read an interesting piece on how Kindergeld is in spirit actually undue taxes returned to families by the government on Berlinerisch.com by Andrew Bulkeley.

I hope this quick guide shed some lights on the question you had about Kindergeld in Germany. Feel free to ask questions in the comments if you are still unsure about something.

Sources & references

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