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Child benefit (Kindergeld)
Kindergeld, Elterngeld, Kinderzuschlag — what you're entitled to
Kindergeld is €259 per child per month (2026). Find out if you meet the requirements, how to apply and what applies if your children are in Serbia.
What we cover
1Kindergeld — who qualifies and how much
2Elterngeld — parental allowance
3Kinderzuschlag — child supplement
4Children in Serbia — special rules
6 min readUpdated:
What is Kindergeld?
Kindergeld (child benefit) is a monthly financial support that Germany pays to parents for each child. Since January 2026, the amount is EUR 259 per month per child, regardless of birth order.
All parents with residence in Germany (Wohnsitz or gewöhnlicher Aufenthalt) and a valid residence permit are entitled to Kindergeld — including foreign nationals with a work permit.
€259
per month per child
€3,108
per year per child
up to age 25
if in education/training
Familienkasse
Kindergeld is paid by the Familienkasse, part of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. Applications can be submitted in person, by post or online.
Who is eligible for Kindergeld?
Three basic conditions must be met simultaneously:
Required
Residence in Germany
You must have a registered residence (Wohnsitz) or habitual abode in Germany. Registration is done through Anmeldung.
Required
Valid residence permit
The permit must allow employment or long-term stay — e.g., Aufenthaltserlaubnis under §18, Blue Card, Niederlassungserlaubnis.
Required
Children up to age 18 (or 25)
Automatic for children up to 18. For children 18–25 — only if in education, vocational training or a transition period of up to 4 months. Children with disabilities — no age limit.
Note
Parental income — irrelevant
Unlike some countries, parental income does NOT affect Kindergeld eligibility. You receive it regardless of salary.
No double payments
If the other parent receives a similar benefit in another country (e.g., child allowance in Serbia), the Familienkasse will reduce the German Kindergeld by that amount. This is called Differenzkindergeld.
How to apply?
The application is submitted to the Familienkasse responsible for your place of residence. You can submit it in person, by post or online.
Required documents
1
Form KG1
Main form — download from familienkasse.de or pick up in person at Familienkasse. Mandatory for every applicant. See the document guide.
2
KG1-Anlage Kind (for each child)
Additional form with details about each child — one per child.
3
Birth certificate
CIEC multilingual extract (no Apostille needed) or regular extract + Apostille + certified translation.
4
Meldebescheinigung
Proof of address registration — evidence of your Anmeldung-a.
5
Copy of residence permit
Copy of valid Aufenthaltstitel card (front and back).
4-6 weeks
average processing time
6 months
retroactive payment
free
application submission
Apply immediately
Don't wait — you can apply as soon as you register (Anmeldung). Retroactive payment only covers 6 months back, so every month of delay means lost money.
Detailed guide
For step-by-step instructions with all forms, deadlines and common mistakes, see our application guide.
Kindergeld for children in Serbia
Thanks to the bilateral social security agreement between Germany and Serbia, it is possible to receive Kindergeld for children living in Serbia — but at a reduced rate.
Reduced rate
How the reduced rate works
- •Serbia belongs to Ländergruppe 4 — the lowest category
- •The Kindergeld amount is adjusted to the cost of living in Serbia
- •The exact amount changes annually — currently about EUR 104–130 per month (approx. 40–50% of the full amount)
- •Familienkasse determines the exact amount on a case-by-case basis
Required documents
What else is needed
- •Form KG 51-ju (for each child in Serbia)
- •Birth certificate — with Apostille
- •Proof of child's residence in Serbia
- •School certificate (for school-age children)
Expert help recommended
Applications for children abroad are significantly more complex and more often rejected. We recommend consulting an expert before submitting.
More about children in Serbia
For complete information about the bilateral agreement, KG 51-ju form and Serbian documents, see our dedicated guide for children in Serbia.
Kinderzuschlag — child supplement
In addition to Kindergeld, families with lower income may be eligible for Kinderzuschlag — an additional monthly payment of up to EUR 297 per child.
Key information
- ✓Amount: up to EUR 297 per month per child
- ✓Paid together with Kindergeld
- ✓Separate application required — form KiZ1
- ✓Can be combined with housing benefit (Wohngeld)
Income thresholds
Minimum income: approx. EUR 900 (single parent) or EUR 1,200 (couple) gross monthly. Maximum depends on number of children and rent.
Use the KiZ-Lotse calculator at kinderzuschlag.info for a quick eligibility check.
Federal program
Kinderzuschlag is a federal program — the rules are the same across all of Germany, with no differences by state.
Elterngeld — parental allowance
Elterngeld (parental benefit) is a special payment for parents of newborns who reduce or stop working. It is not the same as Kindergeld — it is only paid for the first 12–14 months.
Basiselterngeld
- ●65–67% of net salary before birth
- ●Minimum: EUR 300/month, maximum: EUR 1,800/month
- ●Duration: 12 months (+ 2 bonus months for partner)
- ●Condition: work reduced to max. 32h/week
ElterngeldPlus
- ●Half the monthly amount, but double the duration (up to 28 months)
- ●Ideal for parents working part-time
- ●Partnership bonus: +4 months if both parents work 24–32h
- ●Combination of Basis + Plus possible
Who is eligible for Elterngeld?
All parents with residence in Germany and a valid residence permit — including foreign nationals. The application is submitted to the Elterngeldstelle in your state, no later than 3 months after birth.
Detailed guides
Frequently asked questions
How much is Kindergeld in 2026?
Kindergeld is 259 EUR per month per child, regardless of birth order. It is paid until age 18, or until 25 if the child is in education/training.
Am I eligible for Kindergeld with a temporary residence permit?
It depends on the type of permit. Permits that allow employment (e.g., Aufenthaltserlaubnis under §18, Blue Card, Niederlassungserlaubnis) grant eligibility. Short-term and tourist visas do not.
How long does Kindergeld application processing take?
On average 4-6 weeks from submitting a complete application. Incomplete documentation can extend the deadline. Applications can be filed retroactively up to 6 months back.
Can I receive Kindergeld for children living in Serbia?
Yes, but at a reduced rate (currently approx. EUR 104–130 per month). Thanks to the bilateral agreement, it is possible to receive Kindergeld for children in Serbia. Form KG 51-ju and additional documents are required. The amount is determined by the Ländergruppe table.
Is Kindergeld taxable?
Kindergeld itself is not taxable — no tax is paid on the received Kindergeld. However, when calculating income tax, the Finanzamt compares Kindergeld with the Kinderfreibetrag (child tax allowance) and automatically applies the more favorable option. For most families with income up to ~85,000 EUR annually, Kindergeld is more favorable.
What happens to Kindergeld when my child turns 18?
Kindergeld automatically stops at the 18th birthday. However, you can extend it until age 25 if the child: (1) attends school or university, (2) is in vocational training (Berufsausbildung), (3) is in a transition period between school and studies (max 4 months), or (4) does voluntary military service or BFD. You must file an extension application.
Can both parents receive Kindergeld?
No. Kindergeld is paid to only one parent per child. If parents are separated, Kindergeld goes to the parent the child lives with (Obhutsprinzip). The other parent can claim the Zaehlelternvorteil. If both parents live in different EU countries, EU coordination rules apply.
What if I'm late filing for Kindergeld?
Kindergeld can be claimed retroactively, but only 6 months back from the month the application is filed. For example, if you apply in June 2026, you can receive retroactively from January 2026. Previously it was possible up to 4 years back, but the law changed in 2018. File your application as soon as possible!
Related guides
Kindergeld application
Familienkasse, forms, documents — how to apply for German child benefit.
Read moreKindergeld for children in Serbia
How to receive child benefit when children live in Serbia — requirements, evidence, common mistakes.
Read moreAnmeldung — registering your address
Everything you need to register in Germany: documents, deadlines, Bürgeramt, health insurance, bank.
Read moreSources: Familienkasse (familienkasse.de), Federal Central Tax Office, bilateral social security agreement Germany-Serbia.
Last updated: March 2026.
Pending professional legal review
This content is pending legal review and may change.