Kindergeld Guide
for Non-EU Parents

You cannot apply without a Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer (tax ID) for yourself, your spouse, and your child. This is an 11-digit number issued by the Bundeszentralamt fur Steuern (BZSt).

Gather all required documents before filling in any forms. Missing paperwork is the most common cause of delays.

1. 1
   Child's birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde)

   Since the child was born in Germany and you are applying within 6 months of birth, the Geburtsbescheinigung fur Kindergeld (birth certificate for child benefit) from the Standesamt is sufficient. No Haushaltsbescheinigung needed.
2. 2
   Copies of both parents' residence permits

   Front and back of each Aufenthaltstitel. This is mandatory for all non-EU/EEA citizens.
3. 3
   Copies of both parents' passports

   Photo page of each passport. Must be current and valid.
4. 4
   Tax IDs (Steuer-IDs)

   11-digit numbers for the applicant, spouse, and child. Write them on the forms; no extra document needed.
5. 5
   German bank account details (IBAN)

   The account where Kindergeld will be deposited monthly. Must be a German or SEPA account.

You need to complete two forms. Both are available in English and many other languages on the Arbeitsagentur website.

Key instructions for filling in the KG1:

Section 1: Enter the applicant's details (the parent who will receive the payment). Both parents should agree on who applies.
Section 2: Enter the spouse's or other parent's details and their tax ID.
Section 3: Your nationality. Since you are non-EU, tick the relevant box and attach your residence permit copy.
Section 5: Enter your IBAN for receiving payments.
Section 6 (Zahlkinder): This is for children from previous relationships who receive Kindergeld through another person. For your first child, leave this empty or mark "none."
Section 7: Answer whether either parent worked abroad in the last 5 years or received child benefits from another country.

On the KG1-AnK (Anlage Kind):

Enter your child's full name, date of birth (05.11.2025), and their tax ID. If the tax ID has not arrived yet, leave that field blank and submit it separately once received. Indicate the child's relationship to the applicant and confirm the child lives at your address.

The Familienkasse will process your application and send a written decision (Bescheid) by post. Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. They may contact you for additional documents.

Once approved, Kindergeld is deposited monthly to your bank account. The exact payment date depends on the last digit of your Kindergeldnummer (found on your approval letter).

You must notify the Familienkasse if any of these change: