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Complete guide: from the KG1 form to payment — everything you need to know for a successful application.
The KG1 form is the main application form. Along with it, KG1-Anlage Kind is attached for each child. Both forms are available free of charge.
Download KG1 and KG1-Anlage Kind from familienkasse.de or pick them up in person at Familienkasse. Forms are in German, but instructions are also available in English.
Enter your details: name, address, date of birth, tax ID (Steuer-ID), nationality, type of residence permit, bank IBAN.
In KG1-Anlage Kind, enter details for each child: name, date of birth, child's tax ID, residence, relationship to applicant.
Copies of residence permit, Meldebescheinigung, birth certificates for each child, and other documents per the checklist.
The KG1 form must be signed by hand — even if you fill it out on a computer. Unsigned applications are rejected.
Main form for the applicant — download from familienkasse.de.
One form per child. For children in Serbia, use KG 51-ju instead of Anlage Kind.
CIEC multilingual extract (no Apostille needed) or regular extract + Apostille + certified translation into German.
Current proof of registered address — obtained at the Bürgeramt.
Front and back of the card — copy must be legible.
For children over 18 — certificate from school, university or vocational training provider (Ausbildung).
Special form for children living in Serbia — bilateral agreement. See the separate guide for children in Serbia.
Find your nearest familienkasse.de office based on your place of residence.
Send the completed application with all documents to your responsible Familienkasse. We recommend Einschreiben (registered mail).
The application can also be submitted electronically via the familienkasse.de portal — ELSTER account required.
How to find your responsible Familienkasse?
4–6 weeks
From submitting a complete application to the first decision. Incomplete applications can significantly extend the timeline.
6 months
Kindergeld can be paid retroactively — but maximum 6 months back from the application date.
Don't wait too long
KG1 must be signed by hand. Applications without a signature are automatically rejected.
The application must be submitted to the Familienkasse responsible for your place of residence. Sending to the wrong address delays processing.
Many applicants forget to include the Anlage Kind for each child — without it, the application is incomplete.
If using a regular (non-CIEC) birth certificate, it must have an Apostille and certified translation into German.
Retroactive payment is limited to 6 months. If you wait a year, you lose 6 months of payments.
Start our interactive guide — answer 4 questions and get a personalized document checklist and amount estimate.
Start Kindergeld guideSources: Familienkasse (familienkasse.de), Federal Central Tax Office.
Last updated: March 2026.