FAQ hub
Get clear answers to the main pension questions without ending up in the wrong path.
The FAQ hub answers the questions people usually Google first: refund eligibility, documents, timing, fees and when a different pension path fits better.
Popular questions
Answers people look up first
The questions most people ask before they choose a pension path — refund eligibility, timing, and when another route fits better.
Who can claim a pension refund?
Generally, non-EU and UK nationals have the right to a German pension refund. In special cases, EU and UK citizens also have the right to a pension refund. For this reason, it is important to check eligibility individually for each case.
Read answerDo I have to wait 24 months for a pension refund?
Yes, in most cases there is a mandatory 24-month waiting period, which cannot be avoided. In any case, checking whether a pension refund is possible and finding out your earliest eligibility date is useful as soon as you leave or are planning to leave Germany. This gives you enough time to decide. If you decide to obtain a pension refund, you can start preparing everything in advance and make sure that you receive your refund as soon as you are eligible.
Read answerWhen is Pension Assist more relevant than Pension Refund?
Pension Assist becomes more relevant when a regular pension route, contribution history review or a broader application question matters more than a refund-first evaluation. It is the better path when the case needs careful pension application guidance instead of an exit-style route.
Read answerWhen should I handle deregistration?
If your German address still needs to be deregistered, that step is usually handled first through the partner path. Once that is clear, the case can continue into the Fundsback refund flow when relevant.
Read answerBy topic
Browse the FAQ by topic
Each topic groups the related questions in one place, so you can stay on one track before you move into a service.
Who qualifies for a German pension refund?
See the key eligibility questions around German pension refunds, including timing and 5-year or 60-month rule context.
Open topicWhich documents matter first?
See which documents and preparation steps matter first for German pension refund and widow pension support cases.
Open topicHow do Fundsback fees work?
Understand pricing transparency, fee framing and support expectations for Pension Refund and related Fundsback pension services.
Open topicWhen should I handle deregistration before leaving Germany?
Understand how deregistration timing connects to leaving Germany and the next pension-related step with Fundsback.
Open topicWhen is widow pension support the right path?
Find answers about widow pension fit, preparation and support paths before moving into a guided survivor pension case with Fundsback.
Open topicHow do country and residence questions change the answer?
Understand how residence, country context and voluntary contribution questions can affect your German pension path.
Open topicFree to start
Still unsure which path fits?
The Pension Check reviews your case and points you to the route that fits, in about a minute.