You paid into the German pension system. Here is who qualifies for a refund, and who doesn't.
Non-EU citizens who worked in Germany and now live outside the EU can reclaim their pension contributions (Rentenerstattung) after a 24-month waiting period. Average refund: EUR 12,926.
“Got €16,400 back. Camilo kept me updated every step.”
James T. · Canada
Guide path
The eligibility path in three checks
Refund eligibility depends on your current residence, contribution history and whether you still have open pension insurance obligations in Germany.
Non-EU citizenship and current residence outside the EU
You must be a non-EU citizen and currently live outside the European Union, the EEA and Switzerland.
The 24-month rule: waiting period after leaving Germany
You can apply 24 months after your last mandatory pension contribution in Germany. You can start the process earlier; the application is submitted once the waiting period is complete.
Fewer than 60 months of contributions (the 5-year rule)
If you paid into the German pension system for less than 60 months total, a refund is the standard path. With more than 60 months, a regular pension may be the better option.
Common eligibility questions
Who can claim a pension refund?
You can claim a German pension refund once you're no longer compulsorily insured in Germany, have no right to insure voluntarily, and 24 months have passed since your last compulsory contribution (§ 210 SGB VI). That usually applies if you hold no EU, EEA or Swiss passport and live outside those countries. With a passport from a treaty state such as the US, Canada, India or Turkey, a refund usually only works with fewer than 60 contribution months; UK citizens who started working in Germany from 2021 count as a treaty case, while those who started earlier are treated like EU citizens. German, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens, and anyone living in Germany, usually only get their contributions back at the standard retirement age, and only with fewer than five years paid in. A second German, EU, EEA, Swiss or UK passport blocks the refund in the same way, which is why your own case needs a check before you apply.
ExploreDo I have to wait 24 months for a pension refund?
In almost every case, yes. The Deutsche Rentenversicherung only refunds contributions once 24 full calendar months have passed since your last compulsory pension contribution (§ 210(2) SGB VI), and you cannot shorten that period. It starts with your last insured month in Germany, such as your last payslip or your last month on unemployment benefit (ALG I); leaving the country or deregistering doesn't move the start. If you become compulsorily insured in Germany again during that time, the clock starts over. Have Fundsback check your case when you leave anyway. You'll know your earliest date, everything is ready, and the claim goes out as soon as the wait is over.
ExploreReady for the right next step?
Use the guide for orientation, then continue into the matching service path or contact once the next action is clear.
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