Kindergeld is Germany’s monthly child benefit of €250 per child (2023), paid for all children under 18 (or 25 if in education/training). Apply at your local Familienkasse office by post or online.
- German address (Anmeldung certificate)
- Child’s birth certificate (with certified German translation if foreign document)
- Your IBAN bank account
- Your tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer)
- For children in education (18–25): enrollment certificate from school/university
Download and complete Form KG1
Download Kindergeld application Form KG1 from familienkasse.de. Fill in: your personal details, child’s details, IBAN, Steuer-ID, and declaration of circumstances. For EU/EEA nationals working in Germany, complete Form KG5 as well.
Gather supporting documents
Required: child’s birth certificate (+ certified German translation if issued abroad), your valid ID or passport, your Anmeldung certificate, IBAN for payment, and Steuer-ID. Children born outside Germany need their birth certificate apostilled and translated.
Submit to your regional Familienkasse
Find your responsible Familienkasse at familienkasse.de → Suche. Submit by post or in person. Some regions now accept online applications through the ELSTER portal. Include all original documents (not photocopies) or certified copies.
Wait for approval and first payment
Processing takes 4–8 weeks. You receive a written decision (Bescheid). If approved, Kindergeld is paid monthly to your bank account. Payments are backdated up to 6 months if you applied late.
Update your Familienkasse when circumstances change
Notify Familienkasse if: your child reaches 18 and enters education (submit new enrollment certificate annually), you move to another address, your child leaves education, or you leave Germany. Failure to notify can result in having to repay overpaid Kindergeld.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you are working in Germany and paying social insurance contributions, you are entitled to Kindergeld regardless of your nationality. EU nationals exercising freedom of movement rights qualify from day one of employment.
This depends on bilateral social security agreements. Within the EU, the country of residence of the child pays benefits first, but Germany may pay a supplement. Consult the Familienkasse for your specific situation.