Guides
Important guides first
Start with the guides that give the fastest orientation for the most common pension questions.

Gold standard
The most important guides first
Refund first, then Leaving Germany, followed by the broader pension context.
Lead guide
Claim German pension refund step by step
Understand the practical German pension refund sequence, the key documents and when to move into the guided Fundsback process.
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Leaving Germany checklist
Use this leaving-Germany checklist to understand deregistration, timing and when to continue into Pension Refund with Fundsback.
Read guideRetirement age and state pensions in Germany
German retirement age is 67. Understand the three pension pillars and when a refund makes more sense than waiting for a German pension.
Read guideAfter that, move into the full guide library for all remaining topics.
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The full guide library
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Leaving Germany checklist
Use this leaving-Germany checklist to understand deregistration, timing and when to continue into Pension Refund with Fundsback.
Read guideClaim German pension refund step by step
Understand the practical German pension refund sequence, the key documents and when to move into the guided Fundsback process.
Read guideWidow pension guide
Understand widow pension relevance, what to prepare first and how to move into a calmer guided support path with Fundsback.
Read guideVoluntary contributions vs Pension Refund
Compare voluntary contributions with Pension Refund and understand which next step fits your broader German pension situation.
Read guideWho qualifies for a German pension refund
Non-EU citizens who worked in Germany can reclaim pension contributions after 24 months. Check the exact requirements and start with Fundsback.
Read guideRetirement age and state pensions in Germany
German retirement age is 67. Understand the three pension pillars and when a refund makes more sense than waiting for a German pension.
Read guideReturning to Germany after a pension refund
You can return to Germany after a pension refund. Your pension record resets, but the refund stays yours. Understand the implications before you apply.
Read guideCash out your German pension contributions
Less than 60 months of German pension contributions? Cash out after 24 months outside Germany. Average refund: EUR 12,926. Free eligibility check.
Read guidePension refund for professional athletes
Professional athletes from Brazil, USA, Japan and more can reclaim German pension contributions. Fundsback has helped soccer, basketball and other athletes since 2015.
Read guideGerman pension refund: the complete guide
Everything about German pension refunds: who qualifies, how much you get back (EUR 12,926 average), the step-by-step process, documents, timelines and costs. No-win-no-fee.
Read guideHow to deregister from Germany
Deregister from Germany before you leave: who must deregister, documents, timing, fines for non-compliance and how it connects to your German pension refund.
Read guideGerman pension refund for US citizens
US citizens who worked in Germany can reclaim pension contributions. Understand the social security agreement, WEP implications and how Fundsback handles the process.
Read guideUnderstanding your German pension Bescheid
Your German pension refund decision (Bescheid) names the amount and the legal ground. Learn how to check it against your records and lodge a Widerspruch within the deadline.
Read guideHow much is my German pension refund
Your German pension refund is 9.3% of gross salary per contribution month, capped at the yearly ceiling. See what sets the amount and estimate it free. Average: EUR 12,926.
Read guideGerman pension refund documents checklist
The documents a German pension refund needs: passport, Versicherungsnummer, insurance record, deregistration certificate, residence proof and bank details. What each proves and where to find it.
Read guideGerman pension account clarification (Kontenklärung)
Account clarification (Kontenklärung) gets your German pension record complete before you claim. What it is, the V0100 form, the six-year rule and why gaps cost you.
Read guideEU citizens: your German pension without a refund
EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are generally excluded from a German pension refund. Understand EU coordination, voluntary contributions and how your German months still count.
Read guideTax on the German pension refund
The §210 German pension refund is tax-free in Germany under §3 No. 3 letter b EStG, confirmed by the Federal Fiscal Court, and paid without deduction. Whether your country of residence taxes it depends on its tax treaty with Germany. Not tax advice.
Read guideLaid off in Germany: what non-EU workers should know
Lost your job in Germany? The two-week reporting duty, your residence permit options, why ALG I is safe for your status, and how unemployment months affect a later pension refund.
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