Who is eligible for Kindergeld in Germany?

Everyone who is resident in Germany and liable to pay income tax here is entitled to Kindergeld. This includes German citizens, EU citizens and non-EU citizens with certain residence permits such as a Niederlassungserlaubnis or EU Blue Card.

Where do I apply for Kindergeld?

You apply at the Familienkasse of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit — online at familienkasse.de or by post. Applications can be backdated for up to 6 months.

Family & Benefits Updated May 2025 · 7 min read

Child Benefit (Kindergeld) in Germany 2025 – Who Gets It and How Much?

Q: How much is Kindergeld in Germany 2025?

From 2025, Kindergeld is a flat rate of €255 per child per month — regardless of whether it is the first, second or third child.

Q: How long is Kindergeld paid?

Kindergeld is paid until the child turns 18. It continues until age 25 if the child is still in education or training, and until age 21 if the child is registered as unemployed.

Kindergeld is one of Germany's most important family benefits. From 2025, every family receives €255 per child per month — regardless of income. This guide explains who is eligible, how to apply and what to watch out for.

Quick answer: Apply for Kindergeld at the Familienkasse online at familienkasse.de or by post. Apply as early as possible — backdated payments are only made for up to 6 months.

How much is Kindergeld in 2025?

Since January 2023 a flat rate applies — regardless of whether it's the first, second or third child:

€255 per child per month
Two children: €510/month
Three children: €765/month

Important: Kindergeld is paid directly to your bank account. You need a German bank account with an IBAN. Don't have one yet? N26 is free and takes just 8 minutes to open online — no branch visit required.

Who is eligible for Kindergeld?

Everyone who is resident in Germany and liable to pay income tax here is entitled — meaning everyone with a registered address in Germany.

EU citizens

Full entitlement — from the first day of residence in Germany, no restrictions.

Non-EU citizens

Entitled with the following residence permits:

Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residence permit)
Erlaubnis zum Daueraufenthalt-EU
EU Blue Card
Aufenthaltserlaubnis for employment (after 3 years)
Residence permit as a recognised refugee

No entitlement with a tourist visa, a Duldung (toleration), or a permit for pre-departure preparation.

How to apply for Kindergeld – step by step

1
Apply as early as possible
Kindergeld is only paid from the month of application — backdated payments cover a maximum of 6 months. Apply immediately after birth or after moving to Germany.
2
Apply online or by post
The application form (KG1) is available at familienkasse.de. You can also apply online via the Familienkasse portal.
3
Submit your documents
The Familienkasse will review your application and may request additional documents.
4
Wait for your decision
Processing takes 4–8 weeks. Kindergeld is then paid monthly to your account.

What documents do you need?

ID card or passport (parent)
Child's birth certificate
Your IBAN (German bank account)
Tax ID (Steueridentifikationsnummer) of parent and child
For non-EU citizens: residence permit
For children over 18 still in education: enrolment certificate or training contract

Tip for immigrants: If you send money abroad — for example to family — Wise saves up to 8x compared to a regular bank. Especially useful if part of your Kindergeld goes to family members abroad.

How long is Kindergeld paid?

Until age 18: always
Until age 25: if the child is still in education or training
Until age 21: if the child is registered as unemployed
No age limit: if the child cannot support themselves due to a disability

Frequently asked questions

How much is Kindergeld in Germany 2025?

€255 per child per month — flat rate for all children regardless of order.

Who is eligible for Kindergeld?

Everyone resident in Germany — Germans, EU citizens and non-EU citizens with qualifying residence permits.

How long is Kindergeld paid?

Until age 18, extendable to 25 if the child is still in education or training.

Where do I apply?

At the Familienkasse online at familienkasse.de or by post.

Next step: Apply today — every month without an application is money lost. And if you don't have a German bank account yet: open N26 for free — takes 8 minutes, fully online.