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Summary: Kindergeld is the state’s monthly financial support for families. In 2026 it is €259 per month per child (the same for the first, second and further children). Kindergeld is paid by the “Familienkasse”, part of the Federal Employment Agency, and you must apply yourself; it is not paid automatically.
Who is entitled?
Usually parents who live in Germany or have their habitual residence here. Foreign nationals qualify depending on their residence title (Aufenthaltstitel), for example holders of permanent residence, work residence or some humanitarian residence permits. If your residence is only for study or job-seeking, or the type of residence is unclear, ask the Familienkasse before applying. The child must live in Germany or the European Union.
Until what age is it paid?
- Up to age 18: without special conditions
- Up to age 25: if the child is in education, vocational training (Ausbildung), a voluntary year or the transition period between two training stages
- Up to age 21: if unemployed and registered with the employment agency
- No age limit: if the child cannot support itself before the age of 25 because of a disability
Required documents
- Tax identification number (Steuer-ID) of the parent and the child
- The child’s birth certificate (for foreign documents, usually with an official translation)
- Bank account details (IBAN)
- Proof of residence of the parents and, if necessary, a certificate of the child’s education or training
How to apply
The application can be submitted online through the employment agency’s family portal or on a paper form. An online application is usually faster. After you submit it, the Familienkasse reviews the documents and, if approved, the monthly amount is paid into your account. Processing can take from a few weeks to a few months.
Late payment (Rückwirkend)
If you apply late, payment is made back only up to six months; so act immediately after the birth or the child’s arrival in Germany and once you have the documents.
Kindergeld and taxes
In the tax return the tax office automatically checks which is more beneficial for you: Kindergeld or the “Kinderfreibetrag”. You do not need to calculate separately; the better amount is applied. For details on the return, see the tax return guide.
Difference from Elterngeld
Kindergeld applies to all children up to certain ages and is independent of the parents’ income, whereas “Elterngeld” replaces income in the months after birth and is determined by prior income. The two are separate and you can receive both.
Frequently asked questions
If both parents are in Germany, who applies?
Only one person receives Kindergeld; usually the parent in whose household the child lives. In case of separation, the parent the child lives with is the recipient.
Does Kindergeld count as income?
Not for income tax, but for some social benefits such as Bürgergeld it is counted as income.
What if the child is in Iran?
It is usually paid only for children who live in Germany or in a member state of the European Union/European Economic Area.
Note: this guide is general information (last reviewed: October 2026) and is no substitute for legal or financial advice. Rules and amounts may change; before acting, consult the official website of the relevant body or an advisor.
