Part of the topic: 👶 Family & children
Having a baby in Germany: the money checklist 2026
A baby brings several payments and deadlines at once – and some of them can only be claimed for a limited time backwards. This checklist puts them in order, from the first weeks of pregnancy to the months after the birth.
1. Tell your employer and plan maternity protection
Maternity protection starts 6 weeks before the due date and ends 8 weeks after birth (12 weeks for premature or multiple births). During this time you receive maternity pay from your health insurer plus an employer top-up, usually equal to your previous net pay.
2. Check your tax class early
Elterngeld is based on the net income of the 12 months before maternity protection. For married couples, a tax-class change only counts if it applies at least 7 months before maternity protection starts – speak to the Elterngeldstelle if you consider III/V.
3. Plan Elterngeld: Basis, Plus and partnership months
Basiselterngeld is 65–67% of the lost net income (€300–1,800 a month) for up to 12 months, plus 2 partner months. ElterngeldPlus pays half as much for twice as long and suits part-time work. Apply within 3 months after the birth – it is only paid retroactively for 3 months.
4. Register parental leave in time
Parental leave (Elternzeit) must be requested in writing at least 7 weeks before it starts. If it should begin directly after maternity protection, that is about one week after the birth.
5. Apply for Kindergeld
Kindergeld is €259 per child and month in 2026, applied for at the Familienkasse with the child's tax ID, which arrives by post after the birth registration. It is paid retroactively for a maximum of 6 months.
6. Insurance and paperwork
Register the child with your health insurer (family insurance is free in statutory insurance), get the birth certificate from the registry office and check liability and life insurance cover for the new situation.
With higher incomes the tax office automatically checks whether the child allowance of €9,756 a year (2026, both parents together) saves more than Kindergeld – you don't need to choose.