If you are expecting a child in Germany or already had one, you might be wondering if you can receive Elterngeld (parental allowance) even if you are not a German citizen. The good news: Yes, you can – under certain conditions.
Who Is Eligible? – you can also find out by taking the free Eligibility Quiz.
Elterngeld is a benefit intended to support parents who want to care for their newborn without the financial stress of losing income. But eligibility depends not only on your income and work situation – your residence status also plays a key role.
✅ Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland
If you are from an EU or EEA country (e.g., France, Italy, Romania) or Switzerland, you generally have the same rights as German citizens. You are eligible for Elterngeld if you live in Germany and have a residence here, even if you work in another EU country.
✅ Third-country nationals (Non-EU/EEA)
You can also receive Elterngeld if you:
- Have a valid residence permit under certain sections of the Aufenthaltsgesetz (German Residence Act), and
- Are allowed to work in Germany or have worked previously.
This includes people with:
- A permanent residence permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis)
- A temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) that allows employment
- A Blue Card EU
- Certain humanitarian residence statuses, after 3 years of legal stay (e.g., § 25 Abs. 3–5 AufenthG)
💡 Important: If you are on a student visa, language visa, or tourist visa, you are not eligible.
❗ Family reunification cases
If your residence permit is based on family reunification with a German or EU citizen, you are usually eligible, especially if your permit includes the right to work. But it’s important to check the exact wording on your permit.
❗ Asylum seekers and people with “Duldung”
People with asylum status may be eligible after their asylum is officially granted and they have a work permit. Those with a “Duldung” (temporary suspension of deportation) are not eligible for Elterngeld.
What Documents Do You Need?
When applying, you must include:
- A copy of your residence permit
- A special certificate from the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) confirming your work rights (use this [official form in PDF] if requested)
- Your ID/passport, and if applicable, your work contract or income proof
Extra Tip for Planning
If you’re planning to have a child soon, your residence status at the time of the application (after birth) is what counts. So, if you’re about to change your visa or apply for a permanent permit, timing it right could help you qualify.
