Family in Germany: Child Allowance, Parental Leave, Kindergarten & School

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Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I find a Kita place?
  Children from 1 year old have a legal entitlement to a Kita place. Register your child early via the municipal portal (e.g. Kita-Gutschein in Hamburg). Waiting times can be long in large cities.
• How does family reunification work?
  Your spouse and minor children can join you if you have an Aufenthaltserlaubnis and sufficient living space. The family reunification application must be submitted at the German embassy in your home …
• How much Elterngeld will I receive?
  Basic Elterngeld amounts to 65–67 % of net income, minimum 300 € and maximum 1.800 € per month. ElterngeldPlus is half the amount but lasts twice as long (up to 24 months).
• How do I get married in Germany?
  You need an Ehefähigkeitszeugnis, certified birth certificates and valid identity documents. The Standesamt conducts the marriage ceremony. Foreign documents must be translated and apostilled.
• How does a divorce proceed?
  Before a divorce, a one-year separation period must be observed. The divorce is filed with the family court — a lawyer is mandatory. In the case of a mutually agreed divorce, one lawyer for both part…
• From when is school attendance mandatory?
  In Germany, compulsory school attendance begins at age 6 for 9–10 years (depending on the federal state). School attendance is mandatory for children without a German passport as well. Homeschooling …
• What is paternity recognition?
  If the parents are not married, the father must acknowledge paternity with the Jugendamt or Standesamt. This is important for child allowance, custody rights, and the child's surname.
• What is the Kinderzuschlag?
  The Kinderzuschlag amounts to up to 292 € per child per month (as of 2026). It is paid in addition to Kindergeld when the parents' income is sufficient for themselves but not for their children.

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