New data released by the Federal Employment Agency reveals a notable increase in child benefit payments made to foreign accounts from Germany. During the first half of 2025, a total of €27.8 billion in child benefits was disbursed, with €270 million being transferred to accounts located abroad. This figure represents a rise compared to the €27.4 billion disbursed during the first half of 2024, of which €258 million flowed to foreign accounts.
The increase marks a 4.65 percent rise in international child benefit payments compared to the same period last year.
Poland received the largest single amount, with €109.1 million in child benefits transferred, followed by Romania (€31.4 million) and the Czech Republic (€25.1 million).
A spokesperson for the Federal Employment Agency explained that the payments are consistent with regulations allowing child benefits to be paid to children residing in EU member states when parents are working and subject to taxation in Germany. The data also includes German nationals who maintain bank accounts with institutions based outside of Germany, contributing to the figures for payments made to foreign accounts.