Does a refund claim expire if you wait?
No. Section 210 SGB VI sets no filing deadline, so contributions from ten or twenty years ago remain refundable. The timing rules run the other way: you wait 24 months after your last mandatory contribution, and once you draw a German pension a refund is off the table. What can change while you wait are treaty rules and your citizenship situation, so checking early still pays.
“Got €16,400 back. Camilo kept me updated every step.”
James T. · Canada
FAQ
Is there a deadline for a German pension refund?
No — the refund claim under § 210 SGB VI has no filing deadline and does not expire, so contributions from many years ago can still be reclaimed. The timing rules work the other way around: at least 24 months must have passed since your last mandatory contribution, and once you start drawing a German pension a refund is no longer possible.
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.
