Family — Navigate Germany

💶 Kindergeld — €255/month per child

Every child in Germany qualifies for Kindergeld (child benefit) regardless of nationality.

Amount 2026: €255/month per child (all children, no limit on number)
Apply at: Familienkasse (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) — familienkasse.de
EU citizens: Eligible immediately after Anmeldung
Non-EU: Requires valid work permit with right to work
Retroactive: Can claim up to 6 months back
Until: Age 18 (25 if in education)

Documents needed: Meldebescheinigung for child, birth certificate, your ID, bank account (IBAN)

🏫 Kita (daycare) & schools

Kita (Kindertagesstätte): Ages 0-6. Apply as early as possible — long waitlists in cities. Legal right to Kita place from age 1 (§24 SGB VIII). Cost: income-based (€0-400/month). Apply at: kita.de or local Jugendamt.

Schools (Schule): Free, mandatory from age 6. Register at local Grundschule (primary school) with: Meldebescheinigung, birth certificate, vaccination record. Schools provide German support for newcomer children.

School types: Grundschule (4 yrs) → Hauptschule / Realschule / Gymnasium. Gymnasium leads to Abitur (university entrance).

🤰 Maternity & parental leave

Mutterschutz: Paid maternity protection 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after birth. Full salary paid by employer + state.

Elterngeld: 65-67% of previous net income (€300-1,800/month) for 12-14 months. Apply at: elterngeld-digital.de

Elternzeit: Both parents can take up to 3 years parental leave. Job is legally protected during this period.

✈️ Family reunification visa

EU Blue Card holders: Simplified family reunification — no prior German language requirement, faster processing.
Other permit holders: Spouse/children can join under §§ 27-36 AufenthG. Spouse may need A1 German certificate before arrival (exceptions apply).
Apply at German embassy in home country. Include: sponsor's permit copy, marriage/birth certificates, financial proof, accommodation proof.

💡 Apply for Kindergeld and Elterngeld immediately — refund cannot be claimed for periods more than 6 months ago. Don't delay!

👶 Family & Children Germany

💶 Kindergeld — €255/month per child

🏫 Kita (daycare) & schools

🤰 Maternity & parental leave

✈️ Family reunification visa