If you have children and live in Germany, you may be entitled to Kindergeld — Germany's monthly child benefit payment. In 2025, this amounts to €255 per child per month. The good news for expats: nationality does not determine eligibility. The key factors are your residence status and tax situation. Here is what you need to know.
Who Qualifies for Kindergeld?
The basic rule is straightforward: anyone who is considered unlimited tax resident in Germany — meaning you have your primary home or habitual residence here — can apply for Kindergeld. This covers German citizens and most foreign nationals living and working in Germany.
For non-EU citizens, there are additional conditions linked to your residence permit. You generally qualify if your permit allows you to work in Germany (e.g. a work permit, skilled worker visa, EU Blue Card, or settlement permit / Niederlassungserlaubnis), or if you are in a social insurance-based employment relationship. You do not qualify if your permit is purely for study purposes (§16b, §16e AufenthG), if you are a job-seeker visa holder (§20 AufenthG) without employment yet, or if you are an asylum seeker receiving Asylbewerberleistungen (separate benefits apply in this case).
EU citizens and EEA nationals working in Germany generally have the same rights as German citizens when it comes to Kindergeld, as long as they are registered residents. If you have any doubt about your eligibility, the Familienkasse can advise you directly.
How Much Do You Get and for How Long?
Since 2023, the rate is uniform: €250 per child per month regardless of birth order. From 2025 onwards, this increases to €255 per child per month. Kindergeld is paid until the child turns 18. If your child is still in education, vocational training, or studying at university, payments continue until age 25. Kindergeld is tax-free. The German tax office automatically checks whether the child tax allowance (Kinderfreibetrag) or Kindergeld is more beneficial for your situation — you receive whichever is more advantageous.
How to Apply: The Familienkasse
Applications go to the Familienkasse, a division of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency). You can apply online at arbeitsagentur.de, by post, or in person at your local Familienkasse office. You can claim Kindergeld retroactively for up to six months, so do not delay if you think you may have been missing out.
Documents you will typically need: your Steuer-Identifikationsnummer (tax ID) and that of your child, the child's birth certificate (with certified translation if not in German), your valid residence permit, proof of employment (employment contract or payslips), and your child's registration in Germany (Meldebescheinigung) if applicable.
Are you unsure whether you qualify for Kindergeld or need help compiling and submitting your application? Sylum can clarify your entitlements and support you through the process. Reach out at sylum.de/contact.
