Register a Birth

Step-by-step guide to registering a birth in Germany. Standesamt, birth certificate, child allowance and insurance.

1. 1
   Birth certificate from the hospital

   The hospital or midwife issues a birth certificate (Geburtsbescheinigung). You need this for the Standesamt. For home births, the midwife issues the certificate.

   💡 Request several certified copies right after birth — you will need them for various authorities.
2. 2
   Register the birth at the Standesamt

   Within one week of birth, you must register the birth at the responsible Standesamt. Bring passports of both parents, birth certificate (Geburtsbescheinigung), marriage certificate (for married couples) or acknowledgment of paternity.

   💡 For married couples, one parent can register the birth alone. For unmarried couples, acknowledgment of paternity must occur beforehand.
3. 3
   Request a birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde)

   The Standesamt issues the birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde). Order several copies right away — you need them for child allowance (Kindergeld), parental allowance (Elterngeld), health insurance and possibly your child's passport.

   💡 Order at least 3-4 birth certificates (Geburtsurkunde). Each additional copy costs only a few euros.
4. 4
   Register your child with health insurance

   Register your child with health insurance within 2 months. For statutory health insurance (GKV), the child is covered free of charge under family insurance. Required: birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde) and insurance number.

   💡 With GKV, family insurance is free of charge. With private insurance (PKV), the child must be insured separately — compare options.
5. 5
   Apply for child allowance (Kindergeld)

   Apply for child allowance (Kindergeld) at the Familienkasse of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. From 2026: 259€ per month for the first and second child. Online application available at familienkasse.de.

   💡 Apply immediately — child allowance is paid back a maximum of 6 months.
6. 6
   Apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld)

   Apply for parental allowance (Elterngeld) at the responsible Elterngeldstelle of your state (Bundesland). Basic parental allowance: 65-67% of net income (min. 300€, max. 1,800€). Submit application within the first 3 months of your child's life.

   💡 Parental allowance is only paid back 3 months — submit your application as soon as possible!