Having Children in Germany: A Guide for International Parents

Having a child in a new country brings questions about healthcare, parental leave, and benefits. The good news? Germany offers excellent healthcare, generous parental support, and a comprehensive social system for families.

This guide covers everything international residents need to know about having and raising children in Germany.

What to Expect During Pregnancy

Midwife-Centred Care

Germany emphasises natural childbirth with midwife support. A Hebamme (midwife) typically provides primary care throughout pregnancy and birth:

Care Aspect	Details
Prenatal care	Regular check-ups with midwife and/or doctor
Birth	Midwife-led unless complications arise
Postnatal care	Home visits by midwife for weeks after birth

This doesn't mean you'll lack medical support—German hospitals have excellent facilities and doctors available when needed.

The Mutterpass

After pregnancy is confirmed, you'll receive a Mutterpass (mother's passport)—a booklet that tracks:

All medical appointments
Test results
Weight and health measurements
Due date and birth details

Carry this document to all appointments.

Prenatal Care Coverage

Covered by Insurance	Details
Regular check-ups	Multiple examinations throughout pregnancy
Blood tests	Standard screening
Ultrasounds	Three covered by GKV; more available privately
3D/4D ultrasounds	Often available as additional service

Maternity Leave and Protection

Mutterschutz (Maternity Protection)

German law provides mandatory, fully-paid maternity leave:

Period	Duration
Before birth	6 weeks
After birth	8 weeks (12 weeks for premature or multiple births)
Pay	100% of salary

During this time, your employment is legally protected—you cannot be dismissed.

Elternzeit (Parental Leave)

After Mutterschutz, parents can take up to 3 years of job-protected parental leave:

Feature	Details
Duration	Up to 36 months total
Who can take it	Either parent (can be split)
Job protection	Employer must hold your position
Flexibility	24 months can be taken until child turns 8

Financial Benefits for Parents

Elterngeld (Parental Allowance)

Compensates for income loss while caring for your child:

Feature	Amount
Basic rate	65–67% of net income
Minimum	€300/month
Maximum	€1,800/month
Duration	Up to 14 months (shared between parents)

ElterngeldPlus extends payments at reduced rates for part-time workers.

Kindergeld (Child Benefit)

Monthly payment for every child in Germany (2026 rates):

Child	Monthly Amount
1st and 2nd child	€250
3rd child	€250
4th and additional	€250

Eligibility:

Available until child turns 18
Extended to 25 if child is in education/training
No age limit for children with disabilities

Who Can Claim?

Situation	Eligibility
EU/EEA citizens	Yes, with residence
Non-EU with work permit	Yes
Students	Yes, with residence permit

Registering Your Child's Birth

You must register the birth within one week at the local Standesamt (civil registry).

Required Documents

Document	Notes
Birth record from hospital	Signed by doctor or midwife
Parents' passports	Valid ID
Parents' birth certificates	If unmarried
Marriage certificate	If married
Paternity acknowledgement	If unmarried

What Happens After Registration

The Standesamt automatically informs:

Office	Purpose
Citizens' office	Registers child as resident
Tax office	Issues child's Steuer-ID
Familienkasse	For Kindergeld

Processing time: Approximately 2 weeks for birth certificates.

Naming Your Child in Germany

German naming laws require approval by the Standesamt:

Rule	Details
No objects or products	Names like "Apple" may be rejected
No surnames as first names	Typically not allowed
Gender-neutral allowed	Rules have relaxed
Harmful names rejected	Names that could embarrass the child

If your chosen name is rejected, you can appeal or choose a different name.

Not sure how it works? Our experts are here to explain.

Health Insurance for Your Child

Public Insurance (GKV)

Children are covered free of charge under family co-insurance (Familienversicherung) if:

At least one parent has public insurance
The privately insured parent (if any) doesn't exceed the income threshold

Private Insurance (PKV)

Children of privately insured parents typically need their own private policy.

Childcare and Education

Childcare Options

Option	Age Range	Notes
Kinderkrippe	0–3 years	Daycare nursery
Kindergarten	3–6 years	Preschool
Tagesmutter	Various	Registered childminder
Au pairs/nannies	Various	Private care

Since 2013, children over 1 year have a legal right to childcare, though availability varies by region.

School System

Stage	German Name	Ages
Primary school	Grundschule	6–10
Secondary school	See below	10–18

German secondary education tracks students into different school types:

School Type	Description
Gymnasium	Academic track (leads to university)
Realschule	Intermediate track
Hauptschule	Practical/vocational track
Gesamtschule	Comprehensive (all tracks combined)

The track is determined around age 10 based on performance and teacher recommendations.

Key Takeaways

Topic	Remember
Maternity leave	14 weeks fully paid
Parental leave	Up to 3 years job-protected
Elterngeld	65–67% of income for 14 months
Kindergeld	€250/month per child
Birth registration	Within 1 week at Standesamt
Childcare right	From age 1

Getting Help

Navigating parental benefits and registration in a new country can be overwhelming. At Stay, we help international families understand their options and access the support they're entitled to.

If you'd like guidance, we're here to help.