Germany will activate child benefit automatically starting in 2027

Young parents will automatically receive child benefit (Kindergeld) in the future, without having to apply. The relevant law has been approved by the Staten Council, and is scheduled to enter into force on January 1, 2027.

The German Parliament (Bundestag) approved the law in July. The law requires that at least one of the parents reside in Germany with the child, and that he must work in Germany. The authorities must also have bank account information. In more complex cases, an application will still be required at this time.