Kindergeld (Child Benefit Application)
Apply for 250 EUR per month per child through the Familienkasse. Parents living in Germany are entitled to child benefits from their first month of residence.
Configure your citizenship, housing, and job status to get a prioritized timeline.
Kindergeld is never paid automatically. You have to submit the forms yourself. The Familienkasse only pays up to 6 months of back-pay from the date they receive your application. If you wait 9 months to file, you permanently lose the first 3 months of money.
STEP-BY-STEP ACTION PROTOCOL (3 STEPS)
- 1
Get your child's birth certificate (with a German translation or international version).
- 2
Get the German Tax ID (Steuer-ID) for yourself, your partner, and each child.
- 3
Fill out form 'Antrag auf Kindergeld (KG 1)' and 'Anlage Kind', then mail them to your local Familienkasse.
OFFICIAL PORTALS & LEGAL REFERENCES
Frequently Asked Questions
Can expats receive Kindergeld in Germany?[FAQ]
Yes. Parents residing in Germany with a valid residence permit that includes employment authorization (or EU citizenship) are legally entitled to 250 EUR per month per child under § 32 EStG and BKGG.
How far back does the Familienkasse pay child benefit?[FAQ]
Under § 66 Abs. 3 EStG, retroactive payments are strictly capped at 6 months prior to the month of receipt. Delaying your application beyond 6 months forfeits prior benefits permanently.