Let's cut straight to the point: If you have an EU Blue Card, you're eligible for Elterngeld. No ifs, no buts.
Your Blue Card proves that you're a highly qualified professional legally working in Germany. You pay taxes, you pay into social security – you've earned parental benefits just like any German citizen.
The same as everyone else: 65% of your average net income from the last 12 months before birth, with a minimum of €300 and a maximum of €1,800 per month.
Blue Card holders often have higher salaries, so many hit the €1,800 cap. That's the maximum regardless of how much you earned before.
Your partner can also receive Elterngeld, even if they're on a different visa type. Both parents can take Elterngeld months – you don't have to choose one or the other.
If your partner is on a dependent visa through you, they're typically also eligible.
Yes! The EU Blue Card entitles you to Elterngeld. It's one of the residence permits explicitly listed in the law as eligible. You must meet the other requirements (live in Germany, care for child, work max. 32h).
Only income from Germany, EU, EEA, or Switzerland is considered. Income from USA, UK (post-Brexit), Asia, or other non-EU countries does NOT count for the calculation. This may mean you only get the minimum amount (€300) if you recently moved to Germany.
Important documents: 1) Child's birth certificate (original, special version for Elterngeld), 2) Pay slips from 12 months before birth, 3) Mutterschaftsgeld certificate, 4) Employer certificate about Mutterschaftsgeld supplement, 5) For foreigners: Copy of residence permit, 6) For self-employed: Tax assessment.
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