German Pension Refund for Ukrainians

For Ukrainians who have worked in Germany, knowing how to secure a pension refund is essential. Your contributions are a significant component of Germany’s social security system. However, the idea of retrieving these contributions and understanding the specific requirements for Ukrainians can be daunting.

This guide is tailored to help you navigate the process of applying for a refund of your German pension contributions. It aims to provide clear and useful information, enabling you to make informed decisions about your financial future once you leave Germany.

German Pension Refund Eligibility for Ukrainians

As a Ukrainian living and working in Germany, you contribute about 9% of your monthly taxable income to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, Germany’s official pension insurance system. It’s important to note that this contribution is a joint responsibility, with your employer also contributing an equal amount.

What happens to these contributions after you stop working in Germany? Can you get them back?

Since Ukraine doesn’t have a bilateral social security agreement with Germany, you can’t make voluntary contributions to the German pension system unless you reside in the EU/UK.

It’s crucial to understand how to apply for a refund of your German pension contributions as you plan for your future outside Germany. As a Ukrainian national, you might be eligible for a refund if you meet certain criteria.

As a rule, you will not be entitled to a refund of your German pension contributions if you are

a) You are entitled to or are already receiving a German pension.

b) You can make statutory pension contributions or are covered by compulsory insurance in Germany.

c) You have the option of making voluntary contributions to the German pension scheme (voluntary insurance).

In short: Eligibility for a German pension refund for citizens of Ukraine

As a Ukrainian, you are generally entitled to a refund of your German pension contributions if you live outside the EU/UK and at least 24 months have elapsed since your last pension contribution in Germany.

Social security agreements: Residence in the EU/UK

There are no bilateral social security agreements between Germany and Ukraine that govern the exchange of social security benefits between the two countries. For this reason, your ability to make voluntary contributions to the German pension system depends on your new country of residence.

Specifically, if your new place of residence is in the EU or the UK, you can continue to make contributions to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German pension insurance) to qualify for a German pension (freiwillige Versicherung). All social security agreements between EU member states can be found here.

This means that, if you live in the EU or the UK, you won’t be entitled to a refund of your pension because you can qualify for a German pension.

However, if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria for a German pension and you live outside the EU or the UK, it is very likely that you will be entitled to a pension refund after 24 months from the date of your last contribution.

Start your German Pension Refund with our Free Eligibility Check

Claiming a German pension refund can be a complex and lengthy process. It can often take from several months to more than six months. For those looking for a quicker approach, Fundsback offers a streamlined service. Renowned for our fast and effective solutions, we at Fundsback are committed to enhancing your experience with professional support throughout the entire refund process.

In addition, Fundsback provides you with essential tools such as a free eligibility check and an intuitive refund calculator. These resources are designed to assess your eligibility easily and provide an estimated refund amount. Our aim with the refund calculator is to facilitate a transparent and straightforward check of your pension insurance records with the German pension fund and to initiate the refund process efficiently.

Streamline your German Pension Refund with Fundsback

Fundsback makes it easier to increase your social security benefits in Germany with a streamlined and effective process. Our experts offer tailored support and guidance specifically for Ukrainians looking to secure German pension refunds. With the complexity of this process, having expert assistance is essential to ensure you are well-informed and comfortable throughout.

At Fundsback, we are committed to providing personalized advice to assess your eligibility for a refund and help you maximize your payout.

By choosing Fundsback, you can effortlessly navigate the intricacies of the German pension system, confidently secure your refund and avoid the common challenges typically encountered in these processes.