Parental Leave in Germany (Elternzeit): Complete Guide for Expats

Overview

Germany offers some of the strongest parental leave protections in Europe. Elternzeit (parental leave) gives you up to 3 years of job-protected time off per child. Elterngeld (parental allowance) replaces part of your salary during the first 14 months.

Elternzeit is unpaid by your employer — but Elterngeld from the state covers a significant portion of lost income. Plan both together before your child arrives.

Prerequisites: Legal residence in Germany, employment (or recent employment before birth), Anmeldung, Steuer-ID, and health insurance for the family.

Who needs this

Non-EU citizens should notify the Ausländerbehörde before starting Elternzeit. Parental leave is a recognised reason for temporary non-employment and generally does not jeopardise your residence permit — but confirm with your local office.

Documents you need

The Elterngeld application form varies by Bundesland — search for "Elterngeld [your city]" to find the correct portal. Many states now accept online applications.

Step-by-step process

1. Understand Elternzeit vs Elterngeld

These are separate systems:

• Elternzeit — your legal right to take unpaid leave from work with job protection. You apply to your employer.
• Elterngeld — state financial support during leave. You apply to the Elterngeldstelle (parental allowance office) in your city or region.

You can take Elternzeit without claiming Elterngeld (e.g. if your partner earns too much). You cannot receive Elterngeld without being on Elternzeit or Mutterschutz.

2. Notify your employer (7 weeks before)

Submit a written, signed letter to your employer at least 7 weeks before your Elternzeit starts. For premature births, the notice period is 13 weeks.

Your letter must state:

• That you are taking Elternzeit under § 16 BEEG
• The exact start and end dates (end date can be provisional — you can extend later)
• Which parent you are (if both parents work at the same employer, each submits separately)

Your employer cannot refuse Elternzeit. They can only adjust the exact start date within certain limits if business reasons require it.

Template structure:

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, hiermit teile ich Ihnen mit, dass ich Elternzeit gemäß § 16 Bundeselterngeld- und Elternzeitgesetz (BEEG) in Anspruch nehmen werde. Beginn: [date] Voraussichtliches Ende: [date] Mit freundlichen Grüßen, [name, date]

Keep a copy with proof of delivery (email read receipt or registered post).

3. Register the birth at Standesamt

When your child is born in Germany, the hospital usually handles birth registration with the Standesamt (registry office). You receive a Geburtsurkunde (birth certificate) within 1–2 weeks.

The birth certificate is required for the Elterngeld application. Your child also receives a Steuer-ID automatically by post — needed later for Kindergeld.

4. Choose your Elterngeld model

Basiselterngeld (standard):

• 67% of net pre-birth income
• €300/month minimum, €1,800/month maximum
• Up to 12 months for one parent + 2 partner months = 14 months total
• Best if one parent takes full-time leave

ElterngeldPlus (extended):

• Half the Basiselterngeld amount per month
• Up to 28 months total (when combined with partner)
• Best if you work part-time (up to 32 hours/week) during leave
• Pairs with Partnerschaftsbonus: +4 months if both parents work 24–32 hours/week simultaneously

Plan your months carefully — you cannot switch retroactively. Use the official Elterngeldrechner to model scenarios.

5. Apply for Elterngeld

Submit your application to the Elterngeldstelle in your city or region. Apply as soon as possible after birth — Elterngeld is paid retroactively from the month of birth, but late applications may lose months.

Required documents:

• Completed Elterngeld application form
• Child's birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde)
• Proof of pre-birth income (last 12 months of payslips or Steuerbescheid for freelancers)
• Employer confirmation of Elternzeit dates
• Both parents' Steuer-IDs
• Bank IBAN for payments
• Health insurance confirmation

Processing takes 4–8 weeks. You receive an Elterngeldbescheid confirming the monthly amount and duration.

6. Inform the Ausländerbehörde (non-EU citizens)

If your residence permit has an employment condition, notify the Ausländerbehörde before Elternzeit starts. Bring:

• Employer confirmation of Elternzeit
• Expected duration
• Copy of your Aufenthaltstitel

Parental leave is generally accepted without requiring a permit change. Failing to inform the office can cause problems at your next renewal.

7. Plan your return to work

You can extend Elternzeit up to 3 times, with each extension requiring 7 weeks' notice to your employer. Your employer must hold your position or an equivalent one.

You may work up to 32 hours/week during Elternzeit without losing job protection. Income above €175/month reduces your Elterngeld proportionally.

Costs

There are no fees to apply for Elternzeit or Elterngeld. The main cost is reduced income during leave — partially offset by Elterngeld and continued Kindergeld (€259/month per child).

Timeline

1. Notify employer of Elternzeit (mandatory notice period)

   7 weeks before leave starts (13 weeks if premature)

2. Mutterschutz period (mother only)

   6 weeks before birth + 8 weeks after (12 weeks if premature/multiples)

3. Register birth at Standesamt

   Within 7 days of birth (usually handled by hospital)

4. Submit Elterngeld application

   After birth — ideally within first 3 months

5. Elterngeld decision (Bescheid)

   4–8 weeks after complete application

6. Maximum Elternzeit per parent

   Up to 3 years per child (until 8th birthday)

Submit your Elterngeld application within the first 3 months after birth to avoid losing payments. The 14-month Elterngeld budget starts from the month of birth.

Tips and common mistakes

• Notify your employer 7 weeks early — late notice can delay your Elternzeit start date by up to 7 weeks.
• Use both partner months — 2 months of Elterngeld are reserved for the second parent. If they do not take at least 2 months, you lose them permanently.
• Apply for Elterngeld promptly — unlike Kindergeld's 6-month back pay limit, Elterngeld can be lost month by month if you apply late.
• Mutterschutz comes first — mothers have mandatory paid leave (6 weeks before + 8 weeks after birth). Elternzeit starts after Mutterschutz ends.
• Elterngeld and freelance income — if you are a freelancer, your Elterngeld is based on your last Steuerbescheid, not payslips.
• Health insurance continues — your employer maintains your coverage during Elternzeit. Add your child to your family plan.
• Inform the Ausländerbehörde — do not skip this step if you are on a work-linked residence permit.
• Plan ElterngeldPlus if returning part-time — it stretches your budget over 28 months instead of 14.

Frequently asked questions