Frequently asked questions
Short answers with links to the law or the official office. Tap a question to open it.
Children 0–3
Is my baby automatically health-insured?
In most cases yes, and for free: if one parent has statutory health insurance, the baby is covered through family insurance (Familienversicherung). Register your baby with that Krankenkasse soon after birth, using the birth certificate. One exception for married parents: if the other parent is privately insured, earns more than about 6,450 € gross a month (2026) and earns more than the statutory insured parent, the baby needs its own insurance. U-checks and the vaccinations recommended by STIKO cost nothing for insured children.
Source: § 10 SGB V
How soon must I register my baby's birth?
Within 1 week at the Standesamt. Bring passports, the hospital confirmation (Geburtsanzeige) and your marriage certificate. Request at least 3–5 certified copies right away.
Source: § 18 PStG
How do I apply for Kita?
Apply as early as possible, even during pregnancy. Every child has a legal right to a place from age 1. Berlin uses the Kita-Gutschein, Munich the kita finder+; elsewhere contact your local Jugendamt or city portal.
Source: § 24 SGB VIII
Benefits
How much is Kindergeld in 2026?
259 € per child per month since January 2026. Apply at the Familienkasse soon after birth: back payments only go back 6 months.
Source: Familienkasse
How much Elterngeld will I get?
65–67% of your previous net income, between 300 € and 1,800 € per month. You get the 300 € minimum even with no prior income. Parents with more than 175,000 € taxable income are not eligible; the same limit applies to single parents. Apply within 3 months of birth: payments only go back 3 months.
Source: BEEG · Familienportal
Read the guide: Elterngeld & Elternzeit – Parental Allowance and Leave →
Can international families get Kindergeld and Elterngeld?
In most cases, yes. If you live legally in Germany and your residence permit allows you to work, you are usually entitled to the same benefits as German citizens; your nationality alone does not exclude you. There are exceptions, for example some permits for studying, training or short-term work, so check with the Familienkasse (Kindergeld) or your Elterngeldstelle.
Pregnancy
What are my rights at work during pregnancy?
Maternity protection applies from the start of pregnancy; tell your employer early so it can take effect. You cannot be dismissed (with rare exceptions approved by the authorities), dangerous tasks and night work are restricted, and you get 6 weeks of paid leave before and 8 weeks after birth (12 for premature or multiple births).
Source: MuSchG
What is the Mutterpass and do I need it?
It is your official pregnancy record, issued by your gynaecologist. It records all check-ups and ultrasounds. Bring it to every appointment and to the hospital.
Source: G-BA Mutterschafts-Richtlinien
Read the guide: Pregnancy in Germany: First Steps, Check-ups & Insurance →
When should I start looking for a Hebamme?
As early as possible, ideally in the first trimester. Good midwives are booked months in advance. Public health insurance covers midwife care in pregnancy and after birth.
Source: § 24d SGB V
Read the guide: Pregnancy in Germany: First Steps, Check-ups & Insurance →
International
Does my baby get German citizenship if born in Germany?
Yes, automatically, if one parent is German. If both parents are foreign, the child is German at birth when one parent has lived legally in Germany for at least 5 years and has a permanent right of residence. Since June 2024 the child can keep the parents' citizenship too.
Source: § 4 StAG
Read the guide: German Citizenship for Children Born in Germany →