German child benefit (Kindergeld) is €259 per child per month in 2026, but a move abroad often ends or changes the claim. Within the EU/EEA and Switzerland, coordination rules decide which country pays first, with Germany possibly topping up the difference. Outside these countries, a claim usually requires continued unlimited German tax liability or a specific exception.
It depends on
EU/EEA and Swiss moves follow EU coordination rules; for other countries, German rules apply and the child usually needs a German residence.
Parents who remain fully taxable in Germany, or fall into listed groups such as posted public servants, may keep the claim.
In cross-border EU cases, the country of employment generally pays first.
Who needs it
Parents who receive Kindergeld and plan to move abroad, families where one parent stays in Germany while the other works abroad, cross-border commuters, and German pensioners moving to another EU country with children. It also matters for employees posted abroad by a German employer, whose claim often continues. Because overpayments must be repaid, notify the Familienkasse before or immediately after the move, and do not rely on the registration office to pass on the information.
How it works
- 1
Notify the Familienkasse
Tell the Familienkasse without delay that you or your children are moving abroad; informing the registration office or tax office does not count.
without delay - 2
EU/EEA or Switzerland: check priority
Under Regulations (EC) No 883/2004 and 987/2009, the country of employment pays first, then a pension-paying country, then the child's country of residence. Germany may pay a difference if its amount is higher.
- 3
Outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland
A claim generally requires unlimited German tax liability, and the child usually needs a residence in Germany unless a specific exception applies.
- 4
Apply in good time
Cross-border cases need additional forms. Retroactive payment is limited to six calendar months before the application arrives.
What it costs
| Item | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergeld amount per child | €259 per month1 |
Key facts
| Fact | Value | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Child benefit (Kindergeld) per child | €259 per month | 1 | checked 15 October 2026 |
| Retroactive Kindergeld payments | At most for the six calendar months before the application reaches the Familienkasse | 1 | checked 15 October 2026 |
| Duty to notify the Familienkasse of a move abroad (§ 68(1) EStG) | Without delay; notifying the registration office or tax office does not count | 1 | checked 15 October 2026 |
| Legal basis for cross-border Kindergeld in EU/EEA/Switzerland | Regulations (EC) No 883/2004 and No 987/2009 | 2 | checked 15 October 2026 |
| Priority rules in EU/EEA/Swiss cases | State of employment first, then state paying a pension, then the child's state of residence; the other state pays only any difference (Differenzkindergeld) | 23 | checked 15 October 2026 |
| Kindergeld without unlimited German tax liability (BKGG) | Only in listed cases, e.g. compulsory German unemployment insurance, civil servants posted abroad, German pensioners living in the EU/EEA/Switzerland | 31 | checked 15 October 2026 |
| Children living outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland | A residence of the child in Germany is usually required | 413 | checked 15 October 2026 |
Common mistakes
- Continuing to receive Kindergeld after moving without notifying the Familienkasse, which leads to repayment claims.
- Assuming deregistration at the town hall informs the Familienkasse.
- Expecting German Kindergeld for children living outside the EU/EEA without checking the strict exceptions.
- Not claiming a possible German top-up when the other EU country pays less.
- Applying late, because back payments are limited to six months.
FAQ
We are moving to another EU country and I will work there. Do we keep German Kindergeld?
Generally, the country where you work pays first. Germany may pay a difference only if a parent's situation still links the family to Germany, for example the other parent works here, and the German amount is higher. The Familienkasse checks the priority based on both parents' employment and the children's residence.
Can I get Kindergeld if I move outside the EU?
Only in specific cases. You usually need to remain fully taxable in Germany, for example because you keep a residence here, or belong to a listed group such as public servants posted abroad. In most cases the child must also live in Germany, an EU/EEA state or Switzerland.
What if I am posted abroad by my German employer?
Posted employees often remain fully taxable in Germany or compulsorily insured in German unemployment insurance, which can keep the claim alive. Tell the Familienkasse about the posting in advance and provide the employer's documents, such as the posting contract, so it can check your case before payments are affected.
How much is Kindergeld now?
Since 1 January 2026 it is €259 per child per month. In cross-border EU cases where Germany is not the priority country, only the difference to the other country's benefit may be paid. If the other country pays more than Germany, no German Kindergeld is due for that period.
Sources
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit – Familienkasse, Merkblatt Kindergeld (KG 2) für 2026 (opens in a new tab)Authority · checked 15 October 2026
- Bundesagentur für Arbeit – Familienkasse, Kindergeld in grenzüberschreitenden Fällen (EU, EWR und Schweiz), KG 52 EU, Stand 01.26 (opens in a new tab)Authority · checked 15 October 2026
- Familienportal des Bundesministeriums für Bildung, Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend, Können deutsche Eltern Kindergeld auch dann bekommen, wenn sie im Ausland leben? (opens in a new tab)Authority · checked 15 October 2026
- Deutsche im Ausland e.V. (information network for Germans abroad), Kindergeld im Ausland (opens in a new tab)Official guidance · checked 15 October 2026
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