Many parents wonder whether child benefit (Kindergeld) continues when their child spends a semester abroad. The answer depends on where the child has their residence, where they study, and how long the stay lasts. This guide explains the basic rules, the role of the place of study, and the amounts that apply in 2026 and are planned for 2027. For funding the stay itself, see also the guide on study abroad BAföG (in German).
Kurz beantwortet: A semester abroad does not automatically end the entitlement to child benefit. The decisive factors are the child’s residence, the place of study and the type of training. The Familienkasse, the family benefits office of the Federal Employment Agency, checks this in each case. The amount in 2026 is 259 euros per child and month (section 66 EStG, as of October 2026).
The most important points
- Child benefit is paid for children up to age 25 who are in a first training or a first course of study (section 32(4) EStG).
- A semester abroad is not an automatic end of the entitlement. The child’s residence is the most important point.
- Whether the place of study is in the EU, the EEA, Switzerland, or outside these states makes a difference in the check.
- The 2026 amount is 259 euros per child and month. An increase to 267 euros for 2027 is planned.
- If you are unsure, ask the Familienkasse in writing before the stay abroad.
When does the entitlement continue?
The entitlement depends on several conditions that are checked together. The Familienkasse usually asks about the following points:
- Age limit: for a first training or a first course of study, the entitlement lasts until the child turns 25. A minijob does not affect this.
- Residence: the child must have a residence that supports the entitlement. A stay abroad alone does not necessarily change this question.
- Training: the stay abroad must be part of the training, that is, belong to the course, and not be a holiday.
- Transition period: up to four months between training phases are usually harmless, for example between leaving school and starting university.
The rules for a second training or a second course of study are stricter. Here gainful employment is harmless only up to 20 hours per week (section 32(4) EStG, status 2026).
Which role does the place of study play?
The place of study matters for the assessment. The overview below shows the typical questions. It does not replace a decision by the Familienkasse.
| Situation | What to check | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Semester abroad in the EU, EEA or Switzerland, residence stays in Germany | Whether the home stays with the parents and the semester is part of the course | Familienkasse, with the study plan |
| Study at a university outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland | The child’s residence and the length of the stay. Each case is decided individually | Familienkasse, early before departure |
| Training mainly abroad, child lives there | Residence and country, which can limit or end the entitlement | Familienkasse, in complex cases also advice |
A court ruling on study abroad cannot simply be transferred to your case. The Familienkasse decides whether the ruling fits your situation.
What child benefit should be in 2026 and 2027
| Period | Amount per child and month | Status and source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 259 euros | in force, section 66 EStG, as of October 2026 |
| 2027 | 267 euros | planned, Income Tax Reform Act 2027, cabinet decision 2 September 2026 |
| 2028 | 272 euros | planned, same bill, not yet adopted |
The increase from 2027 has not been adopted yet. Whether the amounts apply depends on the legislative process.
Which documents help in the check?
The Familienkasse will tell you which documents it needs. These proofs usually help:
- A certificate from the university confirming enrolment and that the stay abroad is part of the course.
- The study plan or learning agreement showing which achievements are credited.
- Details of your home in Germany, such as a rental agreement or registration certificate, showing that the residence continues.
- Proof of gainful employment, for example minijob contracts, if the child works alongside studying.
Child benefit or child allowance?
With higher income, the child allowance (Kinderfreibetrag) can be more favourable than child benefit. The tax office checks this during the income tax assessment in a so-called favourability check (Günstigerprüfung). The allowance works through tax, while child benefit is paid out. Whether a switch pays off should be checked with your tax assessment or a tax adviser.
Worked example: a six-month semester abroad
Assumption: your child is 24, is in a first course of study, keeps their residence with you, and you receive the entitlement in full for the six months.
- Monthly amount: 259 euros per child (section 66 EStG, status 2026).
- For six months: 259 euros times 6, so 1,554 euros.
- If the entitlement lapses, these 1,554 euros are missing. Check this before departure so your financing plan holds.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to tell the Familienkasse about a semester abroad?
Yes, changes to residence and training should be reported. An early written question helps avoid misunderstandings. The Familienkasse will tell you which documents it needs for the check.
Do I get child benefit if my child studies outside the EU?
This cannot be answered in general terms. It depends on the child’s residence and the nature of the stay. The Familienkasse checks the case, and you should obtain its decision in writing.
Does child benefit continue during the lecture-free period abroad?
The lecture-free period is usually part of the training as long as the course continues. A pure holiday abroad is a different matter. The Familienkasse can confirm on request whether your case counts.
What if my child lives at home again after the semester?
Then a lot speaks for the entitlement continuing without interruption. The question is whether the residence with the parents continues throughout. Report changes in time so that no repayment claim arises.
Does child benefit also apply to a second course of study abroad?
Only in a limited way. For a second course of study, the stricter rules apply with the limit of 20 hours of gainful employment per week (section 32(4) EStG). A minijob is harmless for a first course of study, while for a second course the hour limits apply.
What to do now
- Clarify the place of study and the length of the stay abroad with your university.
- Send the Familienkasse a written question with the study plan and details on the child’s residence.
- Plan your finances with and without child benefit until you have the answer.
- Report changes in time so that the entitlement is not put at risk.
Related guides
- Child benefit up to 25: special cases, transition, second training (in German)
- Child benefit during study and master’s degree (in German)
- Child benefit for students: conditions and application (in German)
- Study abroad BAföG 2026 (in German)
- Financing a semester abroad: costs, study abroad BAföG, scholarships (in German)
Sources: section 32 EStG, children (legal text, as of October 2026); section 66 EStG, amount of child benefit (status 2026); Federal Employment Agency, child benefit from age 18 (no date given); Federal Government, Income Tax Reform 2027 (status October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
