Last checked against the official source: 29 August 2026
Child benefit (Kindergeld) does not depend on your nationality. It depends on which residence permit you hold. Section 62 of the Income Tax Act (EStG) sets out who is entitled, and its second paragraph is written specifically for non-EU nationals — that is the paragraph that decides most cases.
The essentials
- Legal basis
- Section 62 of the Income Tax Act (Einkommensteuergesetz, EStG).
- Basic condition
- A domicile or habitual residence in Germany, or being subject to unlimited tax liability.
- Indispensable condition
- The tax ID is mandatory. The provision requires the entitled person to be identified by their tax identification number.
- For non-EU nationals
- Entitlement turns on the type of residence permit — paragraph 2.
- Competent body
- The family benefits office (Familienkasse) of the Federal Employment Agency.
- Retroactive effect
- Issuance takes effect retroactively for the months in which the substantive conditions were met.
Start with the tax ID. The provision expressly requires the entitled person to be identified by their tax identification number. If you do not have one yet, that is your first step before any application. The good news is that the retroactive effect exists: a late-issued number does not automatically mean losing the months in which you already met the conditions.
Permits that give the entitlement
- A settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) or an EU long-term residence permit.
- An EU Blue Card (Blaue Karte EU) or an ICT Card.
- A residence permit that allows employment and is valid for six months or more.
Permits that usually do not
- Study.
- Au pair.
- Internship (Praktikum).
- Job-seeking.
But the exclusion is not absolute. The provision restores the entitlement for holders of these permits if they are actually in employment or receive certain social benefits. In other words: a student who works may be entitled, while a student who does not is not.
Categories with their own special rules
- People fleeing war
- Holders of temporary protection permits, if they are working, on parental leave, or receiving social assistance.
- Recognised refugees
- After fifteen months or more of residence in Germany.
- Beschäftigungsduldung
- Holders of the employment-related suspension of deportation are covered.
Why we do not quote the monthly amount: the monthly value of Kindergeld is adjusted by legislative decision and does not appear in Section 62, which is the provision we checked. Any figure published in an older article may already be out of date. Ask the Familienkasse for the current amount directly.
Official source
Please note: this page is general guidance, not legal or tax advice. Entitlement is assessed individually — check your own case with the Familienkasse.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kindergeld depend on nationality?
No. Section 62 EStG makes entitlement depend on the type of residence permit you hold, not on your nationality, and its second paragraph is written specifically for non-EU nationals.
Which residence permits give an entitlement to Kindergeld?
A settlement permit or an EU long-term residence permit, an EU Blue Card or ICT Card, and a residence permit that allows employment and is valid for six months or more.
Are students entitled to Kindergeld?
Permits for study, au pair, internship and job-seeking are usually excluded. The exclusion is not absolute: the provision restores the entitlement for holders of these permits if they are actually in employment or receive certain social benefits.
Do I need a tax ID to apply?
Yes. The provision expressly requires the entitled person to be identified by their tax identification number. If you do not have one yet, that is your first step — and the retroactive effect means a late number does not automatically cost you the months already earned.
How much is Kindergeld per month?
We deliberately do not give a figure. The monthly value is adjusted by legislative decision and does not appear in Section 62, the provision we checked, so any amount in an older article may be out of date. Ask the Familienkasse for the current figure.
Can refugees claim Kindergeld?
Recognised refugees are covered after fifteen months or more of residence in Germany. Holders of temporary protection permits are covered if they are working, on parental leave, or receiving social assistance, and holders of a Beschäftigungsduldung are covered as well.