Q&A

👶 Checklist: Having a Baby in Germany

Everything you need to do after your baby is born in Germany — watch the deadlines!

German terms
Geburtsurkunde Standesamt Kindergeld Elterngeld Familienversicherung Vaterschaftsanerkennung
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Birth certificate at Standesamt (within 7 days) Required
Geburtsurkunde / Standesamt
Hospital often reports the birth automatically. You need: hospital birth certificate, parents' IDs, marriage certificate (if applicable).
Kindergeld application at Familienkasse (259€/child, 2026) Required
Kindergeld / Familienkasse
Retroactive max. 6 months. Online via familienkasse.de or forms KG1 + Anlage Kind.
Elterngeld application (within 3 months of birth) Required
Elterngeld / Elterngeldstelle
Retroactive only 3 months! At your state's Elterngeldstelle. 65-67% of net income, max. 1800€/month.
Health insurance for the baby (family insurance) Required
Familienversicherung / Krankenversicherung
Free via a parent's statutory health insurance (Familienversicherung). Register the child with your Krankenkasse.
Register the baby at Bürgeramt Required
Anmeldung / Wohnsitzanmeldung
In some cities automatic after birth registration. In others you must appear in person.
Paternity acknowledgment (if unmarried) Optional
Vaterschaftsanerkennung
At Standesamt or Jugendamt. Can be done BEFORE birth. Both parents must consent.
Child's passport (if travel planned) Optional
Reisepass für Kinder
Since 2024 no more Kinderreisepass — regular passport instead (~37.50€). Biometric photo required.

Other checklists

📋
Anmeldung Checklist (Address Registration)
Complete document list for registering your address at the Bürgeramt.
6 items
👶
Kindergeld Application Checklist
259€/month per child (from 2025). Apply at the Familienkasse.
8 items
🛂
Residence Permit Appointment Checklist
Appointment at the immigration office — renewal or issuance of a residence permit.
8 items
🏦
Bank Account Opening Checklist
Documents needed to open a German bank account — branch or online bank.
6 items