- Each parent can take up to three years of parental leave per child.
- Your job is protected during parental leave.
- Elterngeld replaces part of your income for a limited time.
- Foreign workers with a residence permit that allows work can usually claim it.
Germany is one of the most family friendly countries to work in. Parental leave and parental allowance are two different things, and both matter.
Elternzeit: the leave
Each parent can take up to three years of unpaid leave per child until the child turns eight, with rules on how much can be taken after age three (§15). Your employer must agree to the dates you request in time, and you can't usually be dismissed during the leave.
Elterngeld: the money
Parental allowance replaces part of your net income for a limited number of months. There is a basic version and a longer version with lower monthly amounts, and both parents can combine months. The rules are in the Parental Allowance and Parental Leave Act, and there is an income limit for high earners.
As a foreign worker
If your residence permit allows you to work, for example an EU Blue Card or a skilled worker permit, you can usually claim Elterngeld. Apply at your state's Elterngeld office after the birth.
How to plan
- Tell your employer in time. Leave in the first three years must be requested at least seven weeks before it starts.
- Decide how to split months. Partner months extend the total allowance.
- Collect documents. Birth certificate, payslips and your permit.
Common questions
Can I work part time during Elternzeit?
Yes, up to a limit of hours per week, with your employer's agreement.
Does maternity protection come first?
Yes. Mothers have protected time before and after birth with maternity pay.
Can fathers take parental leave?
Yes, and many do.
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.