Register a birth / birth certificate
4 tasks in suggested order
1. Have the birth registered by the registry office
The birth is registered by the registry office at the place of birth. If the child is born in a hospital, the details are often forwarded to the registry office by the facility.
Register the child with the registry office within 7 working days, or make sure the facility submits the information.
Registry office at the place of birth. This is not automatically the registry office where the parents live.
The parents' identity and civil-status documents, plus any documents requested by the registry office.
For unmarried parents, acknowledgement of paternity and a declaration of joint custody may also be relevant.
Official source: Familienportal des Bundes
2. Inform the health insurer about the birth
After the birth, the health insurer must be informed so the child's insurance cover can be clarified and membership arranged.
Promptly after the birth.
The health insurer through which the child is to be insured.
Proof of birth and the information about the parents and child requested by the health insurer.
The correct insurance route can differ depending on whether the parents are covered by statutory insurance, private insurance or a combination; ask the health insurer first.
Official source: Familienportal des Bundes
3. Apply for child benefit
Child benefit must be applied for after the birth; it is not approved automatically simply because the birth has been registered.
After the birth, once the required information is available.
Familienkasse; the application can be submitted through the official services of the Federal Employment Agency.
Information about the child and parents, plus any evidence requested in the application.
Child benefit and parental allowance are separate benefits with separate procedures.
Official source: Familienportal des Bundes
4. Apply for parental allowance
If applicable: If you want to claim parental allowance.
Parental allowance is applied for through the competent parental allowance office; the federal family portal lists required information and evidence.
Apply only after the birth; preferably within the first 3 months of life because payment can be backdated by a maximum of 3 months of life.
Competent Elterngeldstelle; depending on the state, digital applications are available through the official services.
Proof of birth, income/employment details and any further evidence required in the official application.
Use the child's months of life rather than calendar months; Elterngeld variants and Elternzeit are separate decisions.
Official source: Familienportal des Bundes
