If you’re moving to Germany with children, applying for child benefits (Kindergeld) is one of the first things you should do.

Here’s everything you need for 2025, step by step and the quirks for expats

Table of Contents

What is Kindergeld?

Often called child benefit, Kindergeld is a monthly payment from the German government to help parents cover the everyday costs of raising children things like clothes, school supplies, food, or a special family outing.

It’s not a loan or a one time payment, it’s an ongoing monthly support system for families. Whether you’re German or a resident of Germany, you’re usually entitled to receive Kindergeld.

As of 2025, the amount is €250 per month for each child, no matter how many children you have. The money is transferred directly to your German bank account each month, making it one of the most practical and family friendly benefits Germany offers.

Who is eligible?

The great thing about Kindergeld is that it’s available to almost anyone living and paying taxes in Germany,  who have children. Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or working independently. Kindergeld for expats in Germany in completely possible

It’s Germany’s way of supporting families and helping ease the everyday costs of raising children. You’ll usually receive Kindergeld until your child turns 18, but it can continue up to age 25 if your child is still studying, in vocational training, or meeting other conditions for an extension.

Adopted and foster children, as well as stepchildren and grandchildrenwho live in your household, all qualify for this child benefit.

Even if you live outside Germany, you might still be eligible, for example, if you’re subject to unrestricted German income tax or meet other cross-border requirements. In those cases, your local Familienkasse (Family Benefits Office)or the Agentur für Arbeit can confirm your specific situation.

Usually, the parents receive the Kindergeld, but there are exceptions such as when a child is orphaned or the parents’ whereabouts are unknown. In those cases, the payment can go directly to the child or their guardian.

To put it simply, if you live in Germany and have children in your care, Kindergeld is meant for you, a meaningful way Germany supports families every month.

How much will you receive?

Every family in Germany receives the same monthly Kindergeld amount per child, regardless of income or family size.

Number of Children

Monthly Kindergeld

1 child

250€

2 children

500€

3 children

750€

4 children

1000€

How to apply, step by step

Step 1  Make sure you’re registered (Anmeldung).
Make sure to register your address at the Einwohnermeldeamt (local registration office). This is what triggers German records for you and your child and makes the rest of the process smoother.

Step 2  Get or locate your child’s Tax ID (steuerliche Identifikationsnummer).

  • The BZSt (Bundeszentralamt für Steuern) issues a Tax ID automatically soon after a child is born and registered.

  • For children who immigrated to Germany, the Tax ID is created when they’re registered at the Einwohnermeldeamt.

  • Where to find it later: your income tax assessment (Einkommensteuerbescheid) or past withholding/tax documents.

  • Children born before 2008 may not have been assigned one originally—request it from your local tax office or the BZSt.

  • IMPORTANT: The Familienkasse (Family Benefits Office) must have your child’s Tax ID on file for benefits to be paid.

Step 3  Gather your documents.
Typical items include:

  • Child’s birth certificate (and translation if not in German)

  • Your passport/ID

  • Residence permit (if applicable)

  • Proof of registration (Haushaltsbescheinigung)

  • Your bank details (German account)

  • Your child’s Tax ID
    (If someone applies on your behalf, include a simple power of attorney.)

Tip: Make sure names, dates of birth and addresses match your registration exactly—small mismatches often cause delays.

Step 4  Fill out the application forms.

Complete the Kindergeld basic application and the relevant appendices:

  • Appendix: child living in Germany (for each child)

  • Other country appendix if at least one parent or child lives, works, receives benefits in another country (also used for NATO situations)

Step 5  Sign and submit to the Familienkasse.

Applications must be submitted in writing with a signature to your local Familienkasse (part of the Agentur für Arbeit).

Another person may submit for you if you’ve granted power of attorney.

Common mistakes to avoid: forgetting the child’s Tax ID, missing translations, or using an old address/bank account.

Step 6  Wait for your decision letter (Bescheid).

You’ll receive a written approval/decision. Payments are transferred monthly to your bank account once approved.

Step 7  Keep your record up to date.
Inform the Familienkasse immediately if:

  • you change address or bank details,

  • employment or tax status changes,

  • a parent/child moves abroad, or

  • your child finishes/changes education or training.
    Failure to report changes can lead to repayment claims.

English language applications

You can download English language pdf copies of the various application forms here:

You can also download these forms in English and other languages directly from the Labor Office website at this link.

Although the forms are available in English, for official processing the German versions are still the standard. The English versions are “help” translations in many cases. For example: the leaflet and forms say that the German version is the authoritative one.

Can you apply by phone or email?

You can’t apply for Kindergeld by phone or email — the application must include your signature and be officially submitted to the Familienkasse (Family Benefits Office).

If you have a BundID (digital ID), you can complete and submit the forms online through the Agentur für Arbeit portal. Otherwise, you’ll need to print, sign, and send your application by post or deliver it in person.

When applying, be prepared to include a few supporting documents:

  • Birth certificate of your child (with a certified translation if not in German)

  • Your passport or ID

  • Proof of residence permit (if applicable)

  • Proof of address registration – Haushaltsbescheinigung from your local registration office

Make sure the information on all documents matches your registration details exactly — small discrepancies can delay processing.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even small errors can delay your Kindergeld application or cause problems later. Here are some of the most common mistakes families make, and how to prevent them:

Missing the child’s Tax ID
Every application must include your child’s steuerliche Identifikationsnummer. If you can’t find it, request it from your local tax office or the Federal Central Tax Office (BZSt) before applying.

Incomplete or unsigned forms
Applications must be signed to be valid. Double-check that you’ve filled in all sections and attached every required appendix before submitting.

Incorrect or outdated details
Make sure your address and bank details match your current registration. If you move or change bank accounts, notify the Familienkasse immediately to avoid payment issues.

Missing document translations
If your child’s birth certificate or other documents are not in German, include certified translations. Submitting non-translated documents can delay processing.

Failing to report changes
If your child finishes school, moves abroad, or your family’s circumstances change, you must inform the Familienkasse as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may be asked to repay overpaid benefits.

Sending the application to the wrong office
Send your documents directly to your local Familienkasse, not the general Agentur für Arbeit office. You can find the correct address on the official Familienkasse website.

Before sending your application, it’s a good idea to make a copy or scan of everything you submit. This makes it easy to provide proof or resend documents if needed.