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Foreign annex to the application for German child benefit (Anlage Ausland, KG 51)
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Kindergeld Foreign Annex (Anlage Ausland KG 51) in short
Anlage Ausland KG 51 is an extra annex to the German child benefit (Kindergeld) application when there is a link to another country. You need it if at least one parent or child lives or works abroad, if foreign benefits are received, or if a parent belongs to the NATO forces stationed in Germany. The Familienkasse uses it to check which country is mainly responsible for child benefit.
| Issued by | Familienkasse der Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BA) |
|---|---|
| Current version | KG 51 - 01.26 - Stand Juli 2026 (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | The person claiming Kindergeld when a parent or child lives or works abroad, foreign family benefits are received, or a parent belongs to the NATO forces stationed in Germany. |
| Who receives it | Your Familienkasse, together with the KG 1 application and the Anlage Kind. |
| Where to send it | Send it with your Kindergeld application and proof to your Familienkasse. |
| Deadline | No separate deadline. It goes in with the Kindergeld application. Kindergeld is paid back only for the last six months before the month the application arrives. |
| Fee | No fee. |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF · Official instructions |
What changed
The current form is dated July 2026.
How to fill out Kindergeld Foreign Annex (Anlage Ausland KG 51), line by line
| Header | Kindergeld number, name and application date Your Kindergeld number if you have one, your name and the date of your Kindergeld application. |
| Header | Residence in Germany and tax ID Only if you live in Germany: proof such as a purchase or rental contract or a landlord's confirmation. Add your tax ID, or else your ID or insurance number, and your spouse's number. |
| Section 1 | General details Month and year you arrived in Germany. |
| Section 2 | Children living abroad For each child with an Anlage Kind who lives abroad: first name, country, since when, and tax ID or insurance number. |
| Section 3 | Foreign family benefits Whether you or anyone else received or applied for a family benefit or child addition to a pension from outside Germany in the last five years, with amount and paying body. |
| Section 4 | Your work in the last five years Employment, self-employment, job seeking, breaks for illness or childcare, and pensions. If you work in Germany, add payslips and the employer certificate KG 54. |
| Section 5 | Work of your spouse or the other parent The same questions for your spouse or partner, or another person who is a parent of the children. |
| Signature | Date and signature You or your legal representative sign to confirm the details are complete and true. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sending the annex on its own. It belongs with the KG 1 application and Anlage Kind.
- Forgetting proof of residence in Germany, such as a rental contract or landlord's confirmation.
- Not declaring foreign family benefits from the last five years, even if only applied for.
- Not enclosing the employer certificate KG 54 when you work in Germany.
- Leaving out the other parent's work abroad.
- Not writing in block letters, as the form asks.
- Not telling the Familienkasse straight away when you leave Germany for good.
Questions about Kindergeld Foreign Annex (Anlage Ausland KG 51)
When do I need the Anlage Ausland?
When at least one parent or child lives or works abroad, when foreign benefits are received, or when a parent belongs to the NATO forces stationed in Germany.
Is the Anlage Ausland available in English?
Yes. The Familienkasse offers KG 51 in many languages, including English.
What proof do I need?
For example proof of residence in Germany, payslips or bank statements, and the employer certificate KG 54 if you are employed. If self-employed, for example your trade registration or a tax assessment.
How far back do the questions go?
Most questions cover the five years before the application.
What is KG 51 R?
The Familienkasse also offers a version called KG 51 R. Ask the Familienkasse which version applies to you.
Do I have to report changes?
Yes. The declaration on the form says you report any change that matters for Kindergeld to the Familienkasse without delay.
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Sources
Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the Familienkasse der Bundesagentur für Arbeit or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.