Families

New to Jena with children? “Jena für dich” explains the most important steps for families in 11 languages and shows on the map where Kitas, schools and playgrounds are in Jena. Free, with no account and no ads.

Kita place in Jena

In Jena you search and apply for a Kita (childcare) place only through the city’s Kita-Portal (childcare portal). The places are allocated by the Kitas themselves – in spring for the next Kita year. Choose several Kitas and confirm an offer in time: you have 21 days to do so. The guide also explains the fees and Kindertagespflege (childminding by a Tagesmutter or Tagesvater).

Official page: Kita-Portal Jena

Child benefit (Kindergeld)

Child benefit (Kindergeld) is €259 per child per month (2026). You apply for it at the Familienkasse Sachsen-Anhalt-Thüringen (family benefits office) – online or with a form by post. The guide explains who is entitled, which forms you need and why you should apply early: the Familienkasse pays back payments for no more than 6 months.

Official page: Kindergeld: entitlement, amount and duration – Familienkasse

Health insurance for the family

Spouses, registered partners and children can be covered free of charge under the statutory health insurance if they meet certain conditions. The guide “Choosing health insurance” lists the requirements and the income limits for 2026.

Registering your address

When you move to Jena, you register within 2 weeks at the Bürgerservice (citizens’ service office) – with a valid ID card or passport for each person. The guide explains which documents you need and how to get an appointment.

On the map

Under the topic “Family and education” you will find in Jena: Kitas and kindergartens, schools, playgrounds, family support and family centres, music schools as well as tutoring and courses – plus the guides on Kita and child benefit. The map also works without internet.

Coming to the app: Support

The next update (version 1.2) brings the “Support” section: benefits, programmes and help in five topics, including Family and Housing, and a separate card on the City of Jena’s Jenabonus. Each offer comes with a short explanation and a link to the official page. Whether you are entitled is decided by the responsible authority – the app does not check this. More under What’s new.

Being shown in the app does not automatically mean that you are entitled to something. Only the information provided by the responsible offices is binding. Sources checked on 28 September 2026. All features: Features.

Free for iPhone. The Android version is being tested on Google Play and is coming soon.