259€/month per child in 2026. Apply at the Familienkasse soon after birth: back payments only go back 6 months.
Kindergeld is the monthly child benefit. In 2026 it is 259 € per child per month, the same for every child, regardless of your income. It is paid by the Familienkasse of the Federal Employment Agency.
Who can get it?
- Living in Germany: parents who live here or pay unlimited tax in Germany.
- EU, EEA, Swiss: on the same terms as Germans.
- Other nationals: with certain residence permits, for example a settlement permit or one that allows work (§ 62 EStG).
- Tax ID: you and your child need a Steuer-ID. Your baby gets one by post after the birth is registered.
How to apply
Birth registered → Steuer-ID by post → Apply → 259 € a month
- Where: online or with the form at the Familienkasse.
- Deadline: apply soon after the birth; back payments only cover the 6 months before the month you apply (§ 66 EStG).
- You need: birth certificate, both tax IDs, bank details.
- One parent: only one parent receives it.
Good to know
- Until when: age 18, or up to 25 while your child is in training or study.
- Tax allowance: in your tax return the tax office checks automatically whether the Kinderfreibetrag is better for you. You do nothing.
- Low income: you may also get Kinderzuschlag of up to 297 € per child per month. See Family Benefits Overview.
Sources