Kindergeld for children living abroad

Who can get Kindergeld for children living abroad

Kindergeld is the German child benefit. EU rules say that a parent who works in Germany can have a right to it, even when the children live in another EU country, for example in Romania, Bulgaria or Poland.

The child must be under 18. A child between 18 and 25 can also count, for example while in school, training or university.

• You work in Germany and pay German wage tax.
• Your child lives in another EU country, usually with the other parent or with you.
• Your child is under 18, or under 25 and in education.
• You or the other parent has a German tax ID (Steuer-ID), or can request one.

How much Kindergeld is

Since 2023, Kindergeld is the same amount for every child. In 2022 it was 219 € for the first and second child, 225 € for the third and 250 € from the fourth child.

The difference rule: who pays first

Your home country may also pay a child benefit. EU rules decide which country pays first.

If the other parent works in the home country, the home country pays first. Germany then pays the difference, if the German amount is higher. If the home benefit is the same or higher, Germany pays nothing extra.

If the other parent does not work in the home country, Germany usually pays the full amount, because Germany is the country where you work. The Familienkasse checks this with the office in your home country.

Who should apply

Kindergeld is paid to the parent the children live with. If the children live at home with your partner, your partner is often the one who applies, even though you are the one who works in Germany.

The final decision is made by the Familienkasse. Geldback asks simple questions about where everyone lives and fills in the forms in the right person's name.

Documents you need

The application is made with official forms from the Familienkasse:

• KG 1: the main application.
• Anlage Kind: one for each child.
• Anlage Ausland (KG 51): because a parent or a child lives abroad.
• KG 54: a certificate that your employer fills in and signs.
• A copy of each child's birth certificate.
• Your Steuer-ID. For a child without a German Steuer-ID, the personal number from home is used (CNP in Romania, EGN in Bulgaria, PESEL in Poland).
• If you live in Germany: proof of your address, like a rent contract or a letter from your landlord.

Which Familienkasse handles your case

For families in other EU countries, special Familienkassen are in charge. Which one depends on the country of the other parent or the child.

Six months back, so do not wait

Kindergeld is paid back for at most 6 months before the month your application arrives. The date it arrives counts, not the date you post it.

Example: your application arrives in November 2026. You can get Kindergeld from May 2026. For one child, these six months are worth up to 1,554 €.

How long it takes

For children abroad, a decision often takes 4 to 6 months, because the Familienkasse has to check with your home country. You then get a written decision, called a Bescheid, and the money is paid into the bank account on the form.

How Geldback helps

You answer simple questions on your phone, in Romanian, Bulgarian, Polish or English. Geldback fills in KG 1, Anlage Kind and Anlage Ausland, and gives you KG 54 for your employer. You get a list of the documents you need and the address of your Familienkasse.

You print the forms, sign them by hand and post them yourself. The price is a fixed 59 €, with no share of your Kindergeld.