If you’re moving to Germany and expecting a baby—or already have one—you may be wondering what support is available. The good news is: Germany offers generous family benefits, even for non-German residents. In this guide, we explain what financial help is available, how to qualify as a foreigner, and what you need to apply.
What Family Benefits Are Available in Germany?
If you’re moving to Germany and having a child, you could receive:
- Elterngeld (Parental Allowance): Monthly financial support when you stay home to care for your baby.
- Kindergeld (Child Benefit): Monthly money for each child, regardless of income.
- Parental Leave (Elternzeit): Up to 3 years of job-protected leave per parent.
- Maternity Benefits: Paid leave before and after childbirth (if you’re employed and insured).
- Childcare Subsidies: Local governments help with daycare costs.
Each benefit has its own rules, and not all foreigners qualify for every program immediately. But many do!
Elterngeld: The Most Important Benefit for New Parents
Elterngeld is the main benefit for new parents in Germany. It replaces part of your income if you stop working or reduce hours after your baby is born.
There are three types:
| Type | Duration | Monthly Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Elterngeld | Up to 14 months | 65–100% of net income | Max €1,800, min €300 |
| ElterngeldPlus | Up to 28 months | ~Half of Basic | Good if you work part-time |
| Partnership Bonus | Extra 2–4 months | ElterngeldPlus rate | If both parents work 24–32 hrs |
Use our free Elterngeld Calculator Quiz to see how much you might receive.
Can Foreigners Receive Elterngeld?
Yes—if you meet the following conditions:
✅ You live in Germany with your child
✅ You have a valid residence permit that allows work or long-term stay
✅ You care for your child yourself
✅ You work max. 32 hours/week while receiving Elterngeld
📍 Important: You must already live in Germany. You can’t apply from abroad, even if your baby is born soon.
What About Families Who Are Moving Soon?
If you’re still abroad but planning to move:
- You can only apply for Elterngeld after your child is born and you have moved to Germany.
- Your benefits start from the date of registration in Germany (Anmeldung), not from the date of birth.
- Elterngeld can be backdated up to 3 months, so moving quickly matters.
💡 Our Eligibility Quiz checks if and when you can apply.
Example: Expat Couple Moving to Germany
- They moved to Germany in May 2025.
- The baby is born in March 2025 (in their home country).
- They registered in Germany (Anmeldung) in May and applied for Elterngeld in June.
They can receive Elterngeld from May onward, but not retroactively for March or April because they didn’t live in Germany yet.
What Documents Do You Need?
You’ll need:
- Child’s birth certificate (translated if not in German)
- Your passports
- Residence permit or visa
- Proof of income (usually last 12 months)
- Health insurance confirmation
- Anmeldung (registration in Germany)
- IBAN bank account
Our Form-Filling Quiz tells you exactly what you need based on your situation—and prepares a summary with all your info.
What Is Kindergeld?
Kindergeld is a monthly child benefit paid to all parents in Germany, regardless of income.
As of 2025, it’s:
- €255 per child, per month
You can receive Kindergeld even if you don’t qualify for Elterngeld—but you must be registered in Germany.
Apply through the Familienkasse. Our site includes guidance for this process, too.
Working During Parental Leave
In Germany, parents can take up to 3 years of job-protected leave (Elternzeit).
During this time:
- You can work up to 32 hours/week
- You can receive Elterngeld or ElterngeldPlus
- Your job is legally safe
Even if you are new to Germany, if you have an employment contract under German law, you have the same rights.
Free Tools to Help You
We offer the following services—100% free, easy to use, and available in simple English:
✅ Eligibility Quiz – Can I get Elterngeld as a foreigner?
✅ Elterngeld Calculator Quiz – How much money can I get?
✅ Form-Filling Quiz – What documents do I need? What do I write? (Generates a personal checklist)
All quizzes are anonymous and based on official government rules.
Final Checklist: Moving to Germany With a Baby
✅ You plan to live in Germany long-term
✅ You will register (Anmeldung) as soon as possible
✅ You have a residence permit or visa that allows work
✅ You know you must apply for Elterngeld after the move
✅ You collect all required documents
✅ You use our free tools to check your rights, estimate money, and fill out your forms
✅ You apply for Kindergeld through the Familienkasse after moving
💡 Moving to Germany with a baby doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right information and a little planning, you can receive real support to help your new family get started.
