Assistance for Families

In Germany, families are given special consideration in the German constitution or ”Basic Law” (Grundgesetz). Families benefit from numerous family-oriented regulations, such as tax benefits for married couples and child support.

The government pays an allowance of EUR 164 per month for each of the first two children, EUR 170 per month for the third child, and EUR 195 per month for every additional child.

Foreigners can apply for child allowance (Kindergeld) as soon as they possess a valid settlement permit. The allowance can be applied for at the family benefits offices of the local job centers (Familienkasse der Bundesagentur für Arbeit). Applications have to be filed in writing upon presentation of the child’s birth certificate. The necessary forms can be downloaded from the website of the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit).

Since 2007, parents have been able to file for parental leave and receive 67 percent of their net income (up to a maximum of EUR 1,800 per month) as a parental allowance from the government for a duration of up to 14 months.

For information on special regulations for pregnant employees, please refer to Maternity Leave in the Employment in Germany chapter. Foreigners can apply for parental leave as soon as they possess a valid settlement permit.

In Germany, every child between the age of three and six has a legal right to a kindergarten place. Many kindergartens also offer care for babies.

Kindergartens, childcare centers, and crèches are mainly run by the municipalities, churches, and charitable organizations as well as by companies and associations. The Youth Welfare Offices (Jugendamt) of the communities can provide information on communal kindergartens. Kindergarten place costs vary from community to community and depend on the household income. In addition, parents receive tax benefits for childcare costs.

Germany is home to numerous bilingual child care centers and kindergartens. Their number is steadily increasing, particularly in larger urban centers. The Association for Multilingual Childcare Institutions and Schools (Verein für Mehrsprachigkeit an Kindertageseinrichtungen und Schulen e.V.) provides an overview of bilingual kindergartens in Germany.