Family & Benefits Updated June 2025 · 8 min read

Parental Benefit (Elterngeld) in Germany 2025 – How Much, How Long, Who Gets It?

Elterngeld is Germany's parental benefit — state support for parents who stay at home after the birth of their child to replace lost income. This guide explains who is eligible, how much you receive and how to apply.

Quick answer: Elterngeld is 65–67% of your previous net income — minimum €300, maximum €1,800 per month. It is paid for 12 months, or 14 months if both parents take at least 2 months each.

How much is Elterngeld in 2025?

  • 65–67% of average net income from the 12 months before birth
  • Minimum €300 — even for parents who did not work
  • Maximum €1,800 — even at very high income
  • For low earners below €1,000 net: up to 100% replacement
  • For multiple births: 10% sibling bonus on top
Important: Elterngeld is paid to a German bank account. Don't have one yet? Open N26 for free in 8 minutes online — no branch visit required.

How long is Elterngeld paid?

  • Basiselterngeld: 12 months, extendable to 14 if both parents take at least 2 months
  • ElterngeldPlus: up to 24 months — for parents who want to work part-time. Monthly amount is half, but paid twice as long
  • Partnership bonus: 4 extra months if both parents work 25–32 hours per week simultaneously

Who is eligible for Elterngeld?

Parents who live in Germany, live with their child, care for the child themselves and work no more than 32 hours per week during the benefit period.

Foreign parents

EU citizens: Full entitlement, same as German citizens.

Non-EU citizens: Entitled with Niederlassungserlaubnis, EU Blue Card, or work-related residence permit.

No entitlement for study-only residence permits or Duldung.

How to apply — step by step

  • 1
    Apply as early as possible after birth

    Elterngeld is only backdated for up to 3 months. Apply in the first weeks after birth.

  • 2
    Apply at your state's Elterngeldstelle

    Each German state has its own Elterngeld office. Find yours on your state government's website.

  • 3
    Submit your documents

    Send the application with all required documents. Missing documents can be submitted later.

  • 4
    Wait for your decision

    Processing takes 4–8 weeks. Elterngeld is then paid retroactively to your account.

What documents do you need?

  • Completed application form
  • Child's birth certificate
  • ID card or passport
  • Pay slips from the 12 months before birth
  • IBAN for payment
  • For self-employed: last tax assessment
  • For non-EU citizens: residence permit
Tip for immigrants: If you send money abroad during parental leave — Wise saves up to 8x compared to a regular bank. Especially useful when budgets are tighter during parental leave.

Frequently asked questions

How much is Elterngeld in Germany 2025?

65–67% of previous net income — minimum €300, maximum €1,800 per month.

How long is Elterngeld paid?

12 months basic, 14 months if both parents take at least 2 months. ElterngeldPlus up to 24 months part-time.

Are foreigners entitled to Elterngeld?

EU citizens yes — fully. Non-EU citizens with qualifying residence permits also yes.

Next step: Apply in the first weeks after birth — every delayed month is money lost. No German account yet? Open N26 for free — 8 minutes, fully online.