Guide
Clear answers about German government applications — in simple language, with sources and no official jargon.
🧭Overview and Deadlines
Applications after birth: Checklist with deadlines
Which applications after birth? Order, deadlines and documents: Registry office (1 week), Child benefit (6 months retroactive), Parental allowance (only 3 months).
13 min read·Updated 08.08.2026
Applications with a Residence Permit: Overview & Order
Which applications and deadlines are important with a residence permit: extension, child benefit (Kindergeld) of 259 €, family reunification, naturalization after 5 years – and what can harm your case with the immigration authority (Ausländerbehörde).
10 min read·Updated 08.08.2026
Deadlines with government offices: all important dates at a glance
All important government deadlines in Germany at a glance: 3 days to register as a jobseeker, 2 weeks to register your address, Child benefit up to 6 months backdated – plus what helps if you miss a deadline.
13 min read·Updated 08.08.2026
Low income, children: what benefits are you entitled to?
2026 overview: Child Benefit, Additional Child Benefit, Housing Benefit, Education Package & Citizen's Allowance – who is entitled, what can be combined, and the right order.
12 min read·Updated 08.08.2026
Moving: What Do You Need to Re-Register? — Checklist 2026
Moving checklist: register your residence within 2 weeks (§ 17 BMG), vehicle registration, Foreigners' Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde), Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse), health insurance & private contracts — with deadlines.
11 min read·Updated 08.08.2026
👨👩👧Family and Children
Notification of Change for Child Benefit (KG 45): Reporting Changes to the Family Benefits Office
Moving house, a new bank account, the end of training: what you must report to the Family Benefits Office, how to do it online or with form KG 45, and what happens if you report late.
11 min read·Updated 12.10.2026
Applying for Child Benefit: Where, How and When?
Child Benefit (Kindergeld) is only paid on application to the Family Benefits Office (Familienkasse) – 259 € per child/month (2026). How to apply, from when, with which documents and residence permit.
10 min read·Updated 25.07.2026
Applying for Child Supplement: Who, Where and How?
Child Supplement (Kinderzuschlag): up to €297 per child per month (as of 2026). Who is eligible, what income limits apply, and how the online application at the Family Benefits Office works.
9 min read·Updated 25.07.2026
Applying for the Education Package: Education and Participation for Children
Education Package (benefits for education and participation - Bildungspaket): school supplies, lunch, tutoring, class trips, club fees. Who is eligible and where to apply.
11 min read·Updated 25.07.2026
🧾Money and Basic Security
Reapplication for continued benefits (Weiterbewilligungsantrag) to the Jobcenter: keep getting basic income support (Bürgergeld)
Basic income support, formerly known as Bürgergeld, does not continue automatically. When to submit the reapplication for continued benefits, which documents you need, how to do it online, and what happens if you apply late.
12 min read·Updated 12.10.2026
Applying for citizen's income (Bürgergeld): where, how and online (2026)
You apply for citizen's income (Bürgergeld) at the Jobcenter responsible for your area – you can also apply online via jobcenter.digital. All the steps, documents and rules for 2026 at a glance.
11 min read·Updated 25.07.2026
💼Work and Unemployment
Applying for a Training Voucher: Requirements, Process and Retraining 2026
The employment agency issues the training voucher (Bildungsgutschein) after a counselling session – since 2025 also for people receiving basic income support. Who gets it, what is paid for and how to start the conversation.
13 min read·Updated 12.10.2026
Vocational language course B1, B2, C1: How do I get a spot? (2026)
The vocational language course is assigned by the BAMF through the Jobcenter and the Employment Agency. It is free if you receive basic security benefits. Who can take part, which courses are currently available, and how to get the authorisation to participate.
14 min read·Updated 12.10.2026
Registering as unemployed: when, where and how? Deadlines 2026
Registering as a jobseeker: 3 days after being given notice, or 3 months before your contract ends. Register as unemployed at the latest on your first day without a job – online or in person at the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit).
11 min read·Updated 25.07.2026
Applying for Insolvency Benefit: Where and How Do I Submit the Application?
You apply for insolvency benefit (Insolvenzgeld) at the Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit) – within 2 months of the insolvency event. Here's how to apply, with deadlines and documents.
8 min read·Updated 23.07.2026
🏠Housing and Registration
Housing Entitlement Certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein, WBS): Who Gets One, Where and How? (2026)
With the housing entitlement certificate (Wohnberechtigungsschein) you can apply for social housing. Who gets one, which income limits apply, where you apply for it, and how it works in Hamburg and Berlin specifically.
12 min read·Updated 15.10.2026
Applying for Housing Benefit (Wohngeld): Where and how do I apply?
You apply for Housing Benefit (Wohngeld) in writing at the Housing Benefit Office (Wohngeldbehörde) of your city, municipal, or district administration. Here's how the application works step by step.
9 min read·Updated 25.07.2026
Registering your address: Where and how does it work after moving?
After moving, you have 2 weeks to register your address (Wohnsitz) at the Citizens' Office (Bürgeramt). Here's how registration works, which documents you need, and what applies to new arrivals.
8 min read·Updated 25.07.2026
♿Disability and Participation
🌍Residence and Asylum
Applying for Naturalization: Requirements and Process
Apply for German citizenship: 5 years of residence, B1 German, naturalization test, financial self-sufficiency, and dual citizenship since 2024 – requirements, costs, process.
11 min read·Updated 26.07.2026
Extending your residence permit: when, where and how?
Extending your residence permit: submit the application 6–8 weeks before expiry at the Immigration Office (Ausländerbehörde). Deadlines, documents, costs and the Fiction Certificate (Fiktionsbescheinigung) under § 81 AufenthG explained.
10 min read·Updated 26.07.2026
Family reunification: bringing your spouse and children to Germany
Bringing your spouse or children to Germany: national visa, A1 language proof, income, housing, special rules for refugees and people with subsidiary protection.
12 min read·Updated 26.07.2026