# Fundsback > Fundsback helps people who worked in Germany claim their German pension contributions back — pension refunds for non-EU citizens (§ 210 SGB VI), pension applications from abroad, and widow pensions. Every case is handled together with an external law firm, and refunds are paid out through an attorney escrow account. The site is bilingual: English pages live under /en/, German pages under /de/ (with localized slugs, e.g. /de/wissen/ for /en/resources/). A free eligibility check is available at https://fundsback.org/en/services/pension-refund/calculator/. Guide, country, and FAQ pages return Markdown when requested with "Accept: text/markdown". ## Services - [Pension Refund](https://fundsback.org/en/services/pension-refund/): Who can claim a German pension refund, how long the 24-month wait runs, which documents you need — and what Fundsback does for you. Average: €12,926. - [Pension Assist](https://fundsback.org/en/services/pension-assist/): Understand when Pension Assist fits better than Pension Refund and how Fundsback can support a regular German pension application path. - [Widow Pension](https://fundsback.org/en/services/widow-pension/): Understand widow pension relevance, claim context and the next guided support step with Fundsback. - [Voluntary Contributions](https://fundsback.org/en/services/voluntary-contributions/): Understand when voluntary contributions may fit better than Pension Refund or Pension Assist and how Fundsback can help route the next step. ## Guides - [Leaving Germany checklist](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/leaving-germany-checklist/): Use this leaving-Germany checklist to understand deregistration, timing and when to continue into Pension Refund with Fundsback. - [Claim German pension refund step by step](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/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. - [Widow pension guide](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/widow-pension-guide/): Understand widow pension relevance, what to prepare first and how to move into a calmer guided support path with Fundsback. - [Voluntary contributions vs Pension Refund](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/voluntary-contributions-vs-pension-refund/): Compare voluntary contributions with Pension Refund and understand which next step fits your broader German pension situation. - [Who qualifies for a German pension refund](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/who-qualifies-for-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. - [Retirement age and state pensions in Germany](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/retirement-age-and-state-pensions-germany/): German retirement age is 67. Understand the three pension pillars and when a refund makes more sense than waiting for a German pension. - [Returning to Germany after a pension refund](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/returning-to-germany-after-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. - [Cash out your German pension contributions](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/cash-out-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. - [Pension refund for professional athletes](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/pension-refund-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. - [German pension refund: the complete guide](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/pension-refund-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. - [How to deregister from Germany](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/deregistration-germany-guide/): Deregister from Germany before you leave: who must deregister, documents, timing, fines for non-compliance and how it connects to your German pension refund. - [German pension refund for US citizens](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/german-pension-refund-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. - [Understanding your German pension Bescheid](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/understanding-your-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. - [How much is my German pension refund](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/how-much-is-my-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. - [German pension refund documents checklist](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/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. - [German pension account clarification (Kontenklärung)](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/account-clarification-guide/): 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. - [EU citizens: your German pension without a refund](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/eu-citizens-german-pension/): 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. - [Tax on the German pension refund](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/tax-on-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. - [Laid off in Germany: what non-EU workers should know](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/guides/laid-off-in-germany-guide/): 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. ## Countries - [United States](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/united-states/): As a US citizen who worked in Germany, about 9% of your gross salary went into the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. If you contributed for fewer than 60 months… - [India](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/india/): As an Indian citizen who worked in Germany, about 9% of your gross salary was paid into the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. Germany and India have a bilateral… - [Australia](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/australia/): Australians who worked in Germany can claim their pension contributions back — under 60 months of contributions, 24 since the last. Average: €12,926. - [Canada](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/canada/): Canada and Germany have a bilateral Social Security Agreement that shapes your eligibility. As a Canadian who worked in Germany, about 9% of your gross salary… - [Japan](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/japan/): Japan and Germany have a bilateral Social Security Agreement. As a Japanese citizen who worked in Germany, about 9% of your gross salary was paid into the… - [Russia](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/russia/): Russia and Germany do not have a bilateral Social Security Agreement. This simplifies refund eligibility: if you are a Russian citizen and now live outside… - [Ukraine](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/ukraine/): Ukraine and Germany do not have a bilateral Social Security Agreement. For Ukrainians who worked in Germany and now live outside the EU, refund eligibility is… - [New Zealand](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/new-zealand/): New Zealand has no social security agreement with Germany, so only your German contribution months count toward the 60-month threshold. If you worked in… - [Egypt](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/egypt/): Egypt and Germany don't have a bilateral social security agreement. If you're an Egyptian citizen living outside the EU and 24 months have passed since your… - [Singapore](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/singapore/): Singapore and Germany do not have a bilateral Social Security Agreement. If you worked in Germany and now live in Singapore, the refund path is… - [Brazil](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/brazil/): Brazil and Germany have a bilateral Social Security Agreement. As a Brazilian citizen who worked in Germany, about 9% of your gross salary was paid into the… - [South Korea](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/south-korea/): South Korea and Germany have a bilateral Social Security Agreement. If you worked in Germany as a Korean citizen and contributed fewer than 60 months, you can… - [Turkey](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/turkey/): Turkey and Germany have a bilateral Social Security Agreement — one of the oldest between Germany and a non-EU country. If you are a Turkish citizen who… - [South Africa](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/south-africa/): South Africa and Germany do not have a bilateral Social Security Agreement. If you are a South African citizen who worked in Germany, contributed fewer than… - [Israel](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/israel/): Israel and Germany have a bilateral Social Security Agreement. If you are an Israeli citizen who worked in Germany and contributed fewer than 60 months, you… - [UAE](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/uae/): The UAE and Germany do not have a bilateral Social Security Agreement. If you worked in Germany and now live in the UAE, the refund path is straightforward… - [Mexico](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/mexico/): Mexico and Germany do not have a bilateral Social Security Agreement. If you are a Mexican citizen who worked in Germany, contributed fewer than 60 months… - [Philippines](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/philippines/): The Philippines and Germany have a bilateral Social Security Agreement. If you are a Filipino citizen who worked in Germany, contributed fewer than 60 months… - [Argentina](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/argentina/): Argentina and Germany do not have a bilateral Social Security Agreement. If you are an Argentinian citizen who worked in Germany, contributed fewer than 60… - [China](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/china/): China and Germany have a social security agreement, but it is a posting agreement that only prevents double contributions during temporary assignments. It… - [Albania](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/albania/): Germany and Albania have run a social security agreement since December 2017, one of the newest pension treaties Germany holds. Under 60 combined contribution… - [Bosnia-Herzegovina](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/bosnia-herzegovina/): Bosnia and Herzegovina runs on the German-Yugoslav agreement of 1968. Living in Bosnia, you may insure voluntarily in Germany at any time, which blocks an… - [Chile](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/chile/): Chile and Germany have run a pension agreement since 1994. From Chile you cannot insure voluntarily in the German system, which keeps the refund of your… - [Kosovo](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/kosovo/): Germany applies the 1968 Yugoslav agreement to Kosovo. From Kosovo you may insure voluntarily in Germany at any time, which blocks an early refund; your… - [Montenegro](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/montenegro/): Montenegro runs on the German-Yugoslav agreement of 1968. Living in Montenegro, you may insure voluntarily in Germany at any time, which blocks an early… - [Morocco](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/morocco/): The German-Moroccan agreement of 1986 gives Moroccans no voluntary-insurance right outside the EU, so the refund of your employee share is possible regardless… - [North Macedonia](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/north-macedonia/): North Macedonia is the one Western Balkans country with a modern agreement, in force since 2005. Under 60 German contribution months, the refund of your… - [Serbia](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/serbia/): Serbia runs on the German-Yugoslav agreement of 1968. Living in Serbia, you may insure voluntarily in Germany at any time, which blocks an early refund… - [Tunisia](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/tunisia/): The German-Tunisian agreement of 1986 gives Tunisians no voluntary-insurance right outside the EU, so the refund of your employee share is possible regardless… - [United Kingdom](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/united-kingdom/): Brexit did not open the German pension refund for UK citizens. Under the Withdrawal Agreement and the TCA protocol, one German contribution month keeps… - [Vietnam](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/countries/vietnam/): Vietnam has no social security agreement with Germany, and that clears the refund path: your employee share is claimable regardless of how many months you… ## Reference - [Glossary](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/glossary/): Key German pension terms explained, from contribution refund to qualifying period. - [FAQ](https://fundsback.org/en/resources/faq/): Answers to the most common questions about German pension refunds, grouped by topic. ## Company - [About](https://fundsback.org/en/about/): Who is behind Fundsback, how cases are handled with an external law firm, and why clients trust the escrow payout process. - [How it works](https://fundsback.org/en/how-it-works/): The refund process step by step, from eligibility check to payout. - [Reviews](https://fundsback.org/en/reviews/): Verified client reviews. - [Contact](https://fundsback.org/en/contact/): Contact form, meeting booking, and WhatsApp. ## Optional - [German version](https://fundsback.org/de/): All pages above are also available in German under /de/ with localized slugs. - [Full guide texts](https://fundsback.org/llms-full.txt): Complete Markdown export of every guide on this site, for deep reading without crawling.