Requirements for Child Benefit during Vocational Training (Ausbildung) Abroad
There is a right to child benefit even during a vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad if the following requirements are met:
- Unlimited Tax Liability: The trainee or the parents must be subject to unlimited tax liability in Germany.
- Recognized Educational Institution: The vocational training (Ausbildung) must take place at a state-recognized educational institution within the EU/EEA or Switzerland.
- Comparability of Vocational Training (Ausbildung): For vocational trainings (Ausbildung) outside the EU/EEA, it must be proven that the training is comparable to a domestic one.
Vocational Training (Ausbildung) in the EU/EEA and Switzerland
The same regulations apply for vocational training (Ausbildung) in EU member states, EEA states, and Switzerland as for domestic vocational trainings (Ausbildung). The condition is that the parents or the trainee continue to have their residence or habitual abode in Germany. The right to child benefit remains as long as the vocational training (Ausbildung) status is proven.
Vocational Training (Ausbildung) Outside the EU/EEA
There can also be a claim to child benefit for vocational training (Ausbildung) in a third country if:
- Unlimited tax liability in Germany is proven
- The vocational training (Ausbildung) is equivalent to a comparable domestic vocational training (Ausbildung)
In such cases, it is necessary to provide the family benefits office with appropriate evidence regarding the training contents and the recognition of the educational institution.
Required Evidence
To secure the right to child benefit during vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad, the following documents are required:
- A certificate from the foreign educational institution
- Evidence of unlimited tax liability in Germany
- If applicable, evidence of the recognition of the educational institution
Important Notes on Child Benefit during Vocational Training (Ausbildung) Abroad
Parents and trainees should ensure that the family benefits office is informed in a timely manner about the start of the vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad and that all required evidence is fully submitted. Additionally, changes such as discontinuation of the training or change of the educational institution must be reported immediately. If there are uncertainties regarding the application or the evidence, the family benefits office offers advice.