Why the 5-year or 60-month rule should not be oversimplified
Five years or 60 contribution months can change which pension route is realistic, but it should not be treated as an automatic yes-or-no answer without checking the rest of the case.
“Got €16,400 back. Camilo kept me updated every step.”
James T. · Canada
FAQ
Can I still get a pension refund after 5 years or 60 months?
Yes, if your passport is from a country without a social security agreement with Germany; citizens of most treaty countries lose the refund once they reach 60 contribution months (five years). At 60 months a German pension entitlement exists. With a Ukrainian, Vietnamese or Emirati passport, for example, you then choose between that pension and the refund. With a US, Canadian or Indian passport, the pension replaces the refund, and insurance months from your home country can count towards the 60. Morocco and Tunisia have treaties without this limit, and UK and EU citizens follow their own rules, so check your country page before you rely on the number.
Next step
Start with the clearest next step for your case.
Use the pension-check entry for refund-led cases or contact Fundsback when you need a more guided service path.
