The birth of a child is a joyous occasion, but it also comes with several bureaucratic steps in Germany. Here’s a detailed guide on what to do after your baby is born to ensure they have all the necessary legal documents and benefits.
1. Register the Birth (Geburtsanmeldung)
One of the first things you need to do is register your child’s birth at the Standesamt (Registry Office) within a few days of birth. The hospital usually informs you about the registration process.
Required Documents:
- Birth certificate from the hospital (Geburtsbescheinigung)
- Passports or residence permits of both parents
- Marriage certificate (if applicable) or acknowledgment of paternity for unmarried parents
Once the birth is registered, you will receive multiple copies of the birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde), which you’ll need for further applications.
More information: https://www.service-bw.de/
2. Apply for a Birth Certificate (Geburtsurkunde)
You will receive multiple copies of the birth certificate, which are required for:
- Parental benefits (Elterngeld)
- Child allowance (Kindergeld)
- Health insurance registration
You can request extra copies at the Standesamt for a small fee.
3. Get a Health Insurance for Your Baby
Your child must be added to a health insurance policy. If one parent has statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung – GKV), the child can be covered for free under family insurance (Familienversicherung).
If one parent has private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung – PKV), check with your provider about adding the baby.
Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible to complete the process.
More details: https://www.gkv-spitzenverband.de/
4. Apply for Child Benefit (Kindergeld)
You should apply for Kindergeld as soon as possible after receiving the birth certificate. The current Kindergeld rates are:
- €250 per child per month (as of 2024)
Where to Apply: Familienkasse at the Bundesagentur für Arbeit.
Required Documents:
- Birth certificate of the child
- Parents’ ID/passports
- Registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung)
- Completed application form (Download here)
Apply online: https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/familie-und-kinder
5. Apply for Parental Allowance (Elterngeld)
If one or both parents plan to take time off work to care for the child, they can apply for Elterngeld (parental allowance).
There are three types:
- Basic Elterngeld (lasts up to 14 months if both parents take time off)
- Elterngeld Plus (extends the period but with lower monthly payments)
- Partnership Bonus (for parents who work part-time)
Required Documents:
- Birth certificate
- Proof of income for the last 12 months
- Employer confirmation of leave
- Application form (varies by state, check your local office’s website)
More details: https://www.bmfsfj.de/bmfsfj/themen/familie/elterngeld
6. Register the Baby at the Bürgeramt
Every newborn must be registered at the local Bürgeramt (citizens’ office).
Required Documents:
- Birth certificate
- Parents’ passports and residence permits
- Wohnsitzanmeldung (proof of residence)
Find your local office: https://www.service-bw.de/
7. Apply for a Passport and Residence Permit (if applicable)
If your child is eligible for German citizenship, you can apply for a German passport (Kinderreisepass) at the Bürgeramt.
For non-German citizens, you may need to apply for your child’s nationality passport at your embassy and then request a residence permit at the Ausländerbehörde.
Required Documents:
- Birth certificate
- Parents’ passports
- Biometric passport photo of the baby
- Application forms (check your local Bürgeramt website)
Check embassy requirements: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/
8. Apply for Maternity Leave and Benefits (Mutterschaftsgeld)
Employed mothers can receive Mutterschaftsgeld for up to 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after birth. The amount depends on your salary and is paid by your health insurance and employer.
More details: https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/themen/mutterschaftsleistungen.html
9. Consider Child Supplement (Kinderzuschlag)
If your income is low, you may be eligible for Kinderzuschlag, an additional benefit of up to €250 per child per month.
More details: https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/familie-und-kinder/kinderzuschlag
10. Find a Kita or Childcare Spot
In Germany, securing a Kita (kindergarten) or daycare spot can take time. It’s best to register early at your local Jugendamt.
More details: https://www.kita.de/wissen/kinderbetreuung-in-deutschland
Conclusion
Handling all the paperwork after childbirth can be overwhelming, but following this checklist ensures your child has everything they need. Be sure to check with your local offices for region-specific requirements and start applications early to avoid delays.
For more information on parenting in Germany, visit https://www.bmfsfj.de/.
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