Bringing a new life to this world is pure happiness. However, parents have to consider the cost of having a baby in Germany to make sure their future child will be safe and cared for well. In this article, we’ll cover the main expenses when giving birth in Germany so you can plan your budget.
Benefits of giving birth in Germany
The cost of having a baby in Germany: Pregnancy
The cost of having a baby in Germany: During the first year
How to financially prepare for a baby
FAQ — having a baby in Germany
Benefits of giving birth in Germany
Before diving into the cost of having a baby in Germany, let’s see if it’s even worth it. Some of the benefits of giving birth in Germany are:
Reduced health risks
The healthcare system in Germany is modern and well-organised. Local doctors know how to minimise potential health problems even when a mother has diabetes or other pathologies.
You’ll feel comfortable
Maternity wards are clean and include everything a future mother will need. Of course, not all of them have the interior of a 5-star hotel, but their overall conditions are pretty good.
Foreign-friendly
Giving birth in Germany as a foreigner can feel even more challenging, but local doctors treat all women equally. Most specialists speak English, especially in cities like Berlin and Munich.
You can also request an English-speaking midwife to help you with pre-and postnatal care.
However, learning some German phrases will ease the process for sure.
Experienced staff
Local doctors and midwives are professional, respectful, and skilled. They carefully monitor the conditions of mothers giving birth in Germany and take their jobs seriously.
There are many more benefits of giving birth in Germany but we can already see that it’s a country that cares about future mothers. So, the cost of having a baby in Germany will probably pay off.
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The cost of having a baby in Germany: Pregnancy
Now, let's answer the question all mothers ask, “How much does giving birth cost in Germany?”
During pregnancy, your main expenses will consist of (1) buying goods for the future baby, (2) administrative processes, (3) insurance and (4) prenatal care costs if you need something not covered by the insurance.
Essentials for the future baby
Beds, clothes, bathing items, nursing bras, creams—parents must buy plenty of new products. The typical cost of having a baby in that sense is around 1,000-3,000 EUR. You can always save by buying secondhand, exchanging with friends or family members, who already have a child, or receiving gifts.
If being budget-conscious, the expenses can go down to 300-800 EUR.
Documentation
You won’t escape the local bureaucracy even when giving birth in Germany.
- The birth certificate costs 12 EUR on average;
- Tax advisors and consultants for parental leave can request 50-200 EUR. But hiring them is optional.
- The translation of the documents depends on the language and the number of papers, but it usually costs up to 200 EUR. Unfortunately, giving birth in Germany as a foreigner brings extra expenses, but we have to accept it.
Health insurance and prenatal care costs
If you’re looking for the best health insurance for pregnancy, Germany offers two options.
Statutory health insurance. If you’re working and earn less than 64,350 EUR per year, you’re automatically registered for this. This is the best health insurance for pregnancy if you don’t want to overpay—giving birth will cost you nothing.
Private health insurance. On average, the price is between 200 and 900 EUR, depending on your chosen plan. It's not the best health insurance for pregnancy in terms of costs, but it’ll grant you access to private care.
Health insurance covers most prenatal care costs, including doctor visits during pregnancy, checkups, standard tests, consultations, childbirth classes and birth. However, if you need a non-typical treatment (3D/4D ultrasounds, genetic blood test), you must pay 50-300 EUR. Plus, private hospital costs for giving birth are not covered, so be ready to pay 500-3000 EUR for a private clinic or birth room.
How to get health insurance for pregnancy:
Statutory. Contact your employer and submit an application with confirmation of pregnancy. The company should tell you how to get health insurance for pregancy and provide assistance with it.
Private. Contant any provider, choose the plan and pay the premium. It’s better to get insurance before you’re pregnant because some companies reject applications if a woman is already carrying a child.
See the comparison of the public and private health insurance in Germany here.
Total
Suppose you're under statutory insurance and don't require any special medical treatment. In that case, your pregnancy-related expenses will mostly go toward childcare products, clothing, and some administrative costs — typically ranging from 1,000 EUR to 3,000 EUR without private hospital costs for giving birth.
The cost of having a baby in Germany: During the first year
Typical costs of having a baby during the first months of their life include (1) midwife fees, (2) clothes, food, toys, and furniture, (3) pharmacy, and (4) checkups.
Midwife
The cost of midwives is usually covered by insurance. In rare cases, you may need to pay a 500-1000 EUR fee.
Essentials
It depends on what and where you buy. Car seats, high chairs, clothes, and baby food will take at least 150 EUR a month from your budget. Again, if you want to save, choose the secondhand options. Your two-month-old child won't be mad at you for bringing a dress that someone has already worn.
Pharmacy
Baby creams, pills, thermometers and other medical items are not covered by the insurance. You’ll spend around 10-100 EUR per month on it.
Checkups
Are mostly free and covered by insurance—thanks, Germany!
Total
The typical cost of having a baby is around 1,000-3,000 EUR in the first year. This is a minimum amount without a full-day childcare and with the basic goods only.
How to financially prepare for a baby
Giving birth in Germany can be expensive, even with insurance coverage, especially for foreigners. Here’s how to financially prepare for a baby and secure a happy future for your precious child.
Plan in advance
Don't wait until the baby arrives to think about money, especially if you want to get private insurance.
- Compare statutory and private health insurance
- Check maternity benefits and whether you qualify for Elterngeld and Kindergeld
- Ask your employer or a financial advisor about parental leave rights and pay
- Create a checklist of essential and optional baby purchases
Build a baby fund
Open a separate savings account with the goal of keeping 2,000-5,000 EUR before pregnancy.
Every cent you put into this savings account will help you avoid stress during the first month of carrying a baby. Protect your peace—mothers need to stay calm for the sake of their future child.
Apply for benefits
Family benefits in Germany are great, but you have to apply on time.
- Kindergeld: apply as soon as your child is born (255 EUR/month)
- Elterngeld application: as early as possible
- Ask your local Familienkasse or Jugendamt about bonus programmes.
Spend smartly
We collected some tips on budget planning for expats:
- Save on groceries;
- Cut the electricity bills;
- Spend less gas.
- Boost your budget planning with AI prompts.
Explore them and start spending less to give your child more—and without escaping your comfort zone!
FAQ — having a baby in Germany
How much does Germany pay for a child?
In Germany, you receive Kindergeld, which is a monthly child benefit of 255 EUR. Typically, it’s paid every month until the child turns 18. In some cases, the support can be expected until your child is 25 years old.
Is raising a child expensive in Germany?
Yes, raising a child may be expensive in Germany. However, the family benefit partially covers the expenses. To spend less, adjust your living habits and buy the essential items secondhand.
How much does child care cost in Germany?
Childcare costs range from 0 EUR to over 1,000 EUR per month, depending on the type of care (e.g. public Kita vs private nursery), location, income level, and number of hours booked. In some federal states or cities, public childcare is free.
Is Germany a good place to give birth?
Yes, Germany is believed to be a good place to give birth. The country's healthcare system is modern and structured, with English-speaking doctors and midwives available.
How much does giving birth cost in Germany?
If covered by statutory insurance, giving birth in Germany is free. The insurance covers doctor visits during pregnancy, checkups, childbirth, and postnatal care.
Is giving birth in Germany as a foreigner expensive?
If you legally live and work in Germany and are covered by health insurance, your medical expenses for giving birth are usually the same as those of Germans. You may still need to cover costs for baby products, optional private medical services, or document translations for administrative procedures — but the core medical care is includedunder statutory insurance.
How to send money from Germany?
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