What happens to your Elterngeld if you move abroad during your payment period? The short answer is: you can lose it unless certain exceptions apply. Elterngeld is a benefit designed for parents living in Germany, and moving away (even temporarily) can affect your eligibility. This article explains the rules, what counts as “abroad,” what to do if you plan to move, and how to protect your payments. We also offer guidance for foreign citizens and families currently outside Germany but planning to move soon.
💡 On our website, you can use free quizzes to:
- Check your Elterngeld eligibility
- Calculate your Elterngeld amount
- Get help filling out your Elterngeld form
- Receive information about Elterngeld regulations
What Are the Basic Rules?
To receive Elterngeld, you must:
- Live in Germany with your child
- Have your main residence (Hauptwohnsitz) in Germany
- Be allowed to work (not required, but important for foreign citizens)
📌 If you move your residence abroad, your Elterngeld usually stops — unless special rules apply.
EU vs. Non-EU: What’s the Difference?
| Region | Moving Allowed? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA/Switzerland | Sometimes | Must still be covered by German social security or working for a German employer |
| Non-EU Countries | No | Elterngeld stops once you deregister from Germany |
📍 Example:
- Lisa moves to France but keeps working for her German employer from home. She may still get Elterngeld.
- Mark moves to the U.S. and quits his German job — his Elterngeld stops.
What Counts as a “Move Abroad”?
It’s not just about traveling. What matters is whether you:
- Deregister from your German address
- Set up a new main residence abroad
- Stop being covered by German social insurance
🛑 Even short moves (e.g. 3–6 months) may end your Elterngeld if you fully leave the German system.
✅ Temporary travel (e.g. holidays, work trips) is fine if your main home is still in Germany.
What Should I Do If I Plan to Move?
✅ Inform your Elterngeldstelle right away.
✅ Clarify whether you will stay in the German insurance and tax system.
✅ Ask if you qualify under EU coordination rules (especially for remote work).
If you don’t report the move and keep receiving Elterngeld, you may need to pay it back later — with interest.
Can I Apply for Elterngeld From Abroad?
Only in very rare cases.
You must:
- Have a German residence
- Be temporarily abroad for work (e.g. official EU assignment)
- Still be part of the German insurance system
🌍 If you’re abroad now but planning to move to Germany:
- Elterngeld starts only after you’ve moved, registered, and the child is born
- You can’t apply in advance from outside Germany
Example Scenarios
🧾 Example 1: Stay in Germany
- Anna receives Elterngeld for 12 months while staying in Berlin.
- She goes to Spain for 2 months to visit family but doesn’t deregister.
- ✅ She continues to receive Elterngeld.
🧾 Example 2: Move abroad permanently
- Timo receives Elterngeld but moves to Canada in month 6 and deregisters from Germany.
- ❌ His Elterngeld stops when he leaves.
🧾 Example 3: EU employee working remotely
- Julia moves to Austria but continues to work for her German employer and pays German taxes.
- ✅ She may continue to receive Elterngeld (check with Elterngeldstelle).
Final Tips
- Don’t move abroad without checking how it affects your Elterngeld.
- If your family plans include relocation, consider ElterngeldPlus early — it offers longer support if you’re working part-time.
- Always report address or job changes to your Elterngeldstelle.
Final Checklist: Elterngeld and Moving Abroad
✅ Do you still live and work in Germany?
✅ Did you deregister or keep your German address?
✅ Do you work for a German employer abroad?
✅ Are you covered by German social security while abroad?
✅ Have you informed your Elterngeldstelle of your move?
