Pension Refund Germany: Who can get money back?
How much money can I get back in 2025?
The exact amount of pension refund you can receive in 2025 depends on various factors. The exact amount depends on the length of time you worked in Germany and your gross income.
The German Pension Insurance plays a crucial role in the social security system, offering support for individuals during retirement, illness, and periods of unemployment. If you’re employed in Germany, you automatically qualify for this social benefit, with contributions made by both employers and employees.
From 2025, both employers and employees will contribute at a rate of 9.3%, totalling 18.6% of the employee’s gross income. It’s worth noting that only the employee’s personal contribution, which will be 9.3% in 2025, will be refundable.
Your pension contributions are calculated based on 9.3% of your monthly income, up to a specified income threshold
How do I check the amount of my pension in Germany?
Before considering a refund of your pension contributions, it is beneficial to have an estimate of the potential amount you could receive. For this you can use our pension refund calculator.
The calculator is easy to use: just enter your gross monthly income and the total number of months you worked in Germany, and the calculator will give you an estimate. It calculates the refund amount by multiplying these values by the percentage of your gross salary that you contributed to the German pension insurance.
Feel free to give it a try and use our pension refund calculator to get an estimate of your potential refund amount.
How to get a German pension refund?
Pension refundin Germany is a complicated process. There are certain criteria that must be met in order to receive a refund of your pension contributions. If you meet these requirements for a refund, you can proceed with the application process. This involves completing the necessary forms, having specific documents certified by a notary, and submitting other supporting papers to the pension fund (Deutsche rentenversicherung).
On average, this process takes about one to six months.
So before you start the refund process, you need to make sure you are eligible. In the next sections, we will explain who is eligible.
Ready to get your paid pension contributions back? Contact us today to get started!
Can I get pension refunds on leaving Germany?
Yes, If you meet certain criteria, you could get back thousands of euros.
Here are the details: If you have been employed in Germany and have made contributions to the statutory pension insurance, you can apply for a refund under specific conditions.
However, it’s important to note that this option becomes available only after a two-year period from the termination of your employment. To be precise, you must wait for 24 months following your last pension insurance contribution before you can apply for the refund.
Your eligibility may also be affected by factors such as your nationality and the country in which you currently reside. In addition, you may want to consider taking our eligibility test for a personalized assessment.
Who is eligible for a pension reimbursement in Germany?
The refund of contributions from the German Statutory Pension Insurance Scheme can be difficult due to certain restrictions. The purpose of these restrictions is to discourage premature decisions to repay contributions, as this will terminate the insurance relationship and result in the loss of all pension rights under the statutory pension scheme.
While the refund amounts can be substantial, the process itself is known for being lengthy, complex, and confusing.
Generally, there are three main categories of individuals who may be eligible for a pension refund:
- Civil servants and individuals in similar positions to civil servants.
- Individuals who have reached the retirement age but do not meet the general waiting period requirement.
- Foreigners (Non-Eu Citizens) who have worked in Germany and subsequently left Germany.
It’s important to note that even within these groups, specific requirements must be met to qualify for a pension refund when leaving Germany.
Exact requirements for a German pension refund
To qualify for an early payout of your pension contributions, you need to fulfill the following three basic requirements:
- You should no longer be liable to pay contributions in Germany.
- The last contribution payment you made must be at least 24 months ago.
- You must not have the option to voluntarily contribute to the German pension insurance scheme
Whether you have the option to make voluntary contributions depends on your nationality and current residence.
The German Pension Insurance categorizes potentially eligible individuals into four groups:
- German citizens
- Citizens of countries in the European Economic Area (EEA), as well as Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK)
- Citizens of contracting states
- Citizens of non-contracting states
In summary: Your eligibility for a pension refund primarily depends on your citizenship and current country of residence. If you still have the option to make voluntary contributions to the German statutory pension insurance, you are not eligible to have your pension contributions paid out.
Let’s check your eligibility! Press the button to use our free eligibility check.
1. German citizens and nationals
Unfortunately, as a German citizen, you are not eligible for pension refunds on leaving Germany. Regardless of your current country of residence, being a German citizen gives you the option to voluntarily contribute to the pension insurance system until you reach retirement age.
Therefore, German citizens are generally not eligible for a pension refund, even if they hold dual citizenship.
There are 2 exceptions
However, there are certain circumstances in which German nationals may receive a reimbursement of their paid contributions.
These include situations where individuals have civil servant status or have reached the legal retirement age but have not completed the general waiting period requirement.
In such cases, eligible German nationals may be able to have their contributions paid out subject to the above conditions.
2. EEA citizens, Switzerland & UK
If you live in a country in the European Economic Area, you have almost no chance of a successful pension refund. This is because you are treated as a German citizen by EU law.
In this case, you will not be able to claim your pension until you reach the German retirement age. If you are not entitled to a “normal” German pension, you can apply for a refund.
To be eligible for a refund, you must have paid into the pension scheme for at least five years. The regular retirement age for the standard old-age pension will gradually increase to 67 by 2031. Those born in 1960 will reach their regular retirement age at 66 years and 4 months. For those born later, the retirement age will continue to rise in 2-month increments. From the 1964 cohort onwards, the standard retirement age is 67.
EEA is the acronym for the European Economic Area, which includes all 27 EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
What about Switzerland and the United Kingdom?
Switzerland is neither part of the EU nor the EEA.
However, it is linked to the EU by many treaties, which means that Swiss citizens have equal rights with EU citizens in most areas. The same rule applies to the United Kingdom since Brexit.
Suppose you are a citizen of an EEA country (other than Germany), Switzerland, or the United Kingdom. In this case, you can also voluntarily pay into the German pension system until you reach retirement age. A German pension refund is therefore only possible once you have reached retirement age.
Which countries belong to the European Economic Area (EEA)?
3. Contracting states
Contracting states are countries that have a social security agreement with Germany.
If you are a citizen of a treaty country, you have a good chance of getting a pension refund when leaving Germany.
You qualify for a refund if:
- You have worked in Germany for less than 5 years and currently reside in a contracting state or a non-contracting state.
Please note that in most cases, if you have made pension contributions for more than 59 months, you will not be eligible for a refund, regardless of your place of residence.
Which countries are among the contracting states?
Here is more information about the countries that are party to the social agreement: Bundesjustizamt.de
Here you find some more information for citizen’s of the United states: German Mission in the United States
Ready to get your paid pension contributions back? Contact us today to get started!
4. Non-contracting states
As a citizen of a non-contracting state, you have a high probability of receiving a refund of your pension contributions.
If you are not a citizen of a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or a country that has a social security agreement with Germany, you are a non-contracting country. Non-contracting countries are those that do not have a social security agreement with Germany.
As a citizen of a non-contracting state, you are not entitled to make voluntary contributions to the German pension insurance system, regardless of your current place of residence. This circumstance greatly increases the likelihood of a successful refund of pension contributions.
You have a very good chance of receiving a pension refund if:
- You currently reside in a contracting state, regardless of the number of years you have worked in Germany.
or
- You currently reside in a non-contracting state, irrespective of the duration of your employment in Germany.
Which countries count as non-contracting states?
Non-contracting states refer to countries that are not part of either the contracting states or the European Economic Area (EEA). Examples of non-contracting states include Russia, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, various African countries, Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico, Korea, and more.
If a country does not fall within the EEA or the contracting states, it is categorized as a non-contracting state. This means that it has not established a social security agreement with Germany.
Afghanistan, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Azerbaijan,
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, British Virgin Is., Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi,
Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Rep.m, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Dem. Rep., Congo, Repub. of the Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba,
Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic,
East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia,
Faroe Islands, Fiji, French Guiana, French Polynesia,
Gabon, Gambia, Gaza Strip, Georgia, Ghana, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guernsey, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana,
Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong,
Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Isle of Man,
Jamaica, Jersey, Jordan,
Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Korea, North, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan,
Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya,
Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Fed. St., Monaco, Mongolia, Montserrat, Mozambique, N. Mariana Islands,
Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Oman,
Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Qatar,
Reunion, Russia, Rwanda,
Saint Helena, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome & Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, St Pierre & Miquelon, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria,
Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkmenistan, Turks & Caicos Is, Tuvalu,
UAE – United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Uzbekistan,
Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands,
Wallis and Futuna, West Bank, Western Sahara, Yemen,
Zambia, Zimbabwe
Ready to get your paid pension contributions back? Contact us today to get started!
In Summery: Who is entitled to a pension refund of contributions paid in Germany?
Only those who live outside the EU or the EEA (European Economic Area) and do NOT have EU or EEA citizenship are entitled to a pension refund when leaving Germany. This is because you can always make voluntary contributions to the German pension insurance within the EU/EEA.
In addition, the last contribution to the German pension insurance must be at least 24 months ago and you must have left Germany.
Take the eligibility test now and get your money back!
How do I receive a pension refund in Germany, step by step?
STEP 1: Check your eligibility
In short: Your eligibility for a pension refund depends primarily on your nationality and your current country of residence. If you have the option of voluntarily contributing to the German state pension system, you will not be eligible for a refund of your pension contributions.
In detail: Eligibility for a pension refund primarily applies to individuals who are neither German nor citizens of countries within the European Economic Area (EEA), including Switzerland and the United Kingdom (despite Brexit) and including those with dual citizenship. In addition, these individuals must currently reside outside of Germany and the EEA.
If this is the case, there is no possibility to make voluntary pension contributions in Germany.
If you have not yet reached the legal retirement age in Germany, there is a mandatory 24-month waiting period that begins the month after your last pension contribution. It’s important to complete this waiting period before applying for a refund.
Please note that your refund application can only be submitted once you have left Germany. Even if you have completed the 24-month waiting period, you must have departed from the country before applying for a refund.
Let’s check your eligibility! Press the button to use our free eligibility check.
STEP 2: Fill in the application form(s)
You can also find information and the necessary pension refund forms on the website of the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. Unfortunately, there is no English version and no English forms.
If you need help getting your pension contributions refunded, we are here to help. We have simplified the process, digitized it and translated it into English. You don’t have to fill out tedious forms, and we’ll tell you exactly what documents you need. Our lawyer will personally guide you through this procedure.
Don’t pay until we have successfully refunded your pension! Interested? Check your eligibility now and start the process
3 steps to prepare your claim:
By following these steps and ensuring that all required documentation is complete and properly verified, you can help expedite the refund process and minimize any potential delays.
STEP 3: Collect & send the required documents
Once you have completed the required forms and prepared the certified documents, it may also be helpful to include other relevant documents:
- Your deregistration certificate
- Social security card
- Income tax return
These additional documents will provide further proof of your eligibility for reimbursement and assist in processing your German pension refund faster.
It is also very helpful to request insurance record from your health insurance.
These documents are a valuable tool in reconciling your past contributions and ensuring that they are recorded correctly. By reviewing the Evidence of Coverage prior to submitting your claim, you can ensure that all of your contributions are listed correctly.
When mailing your documents, we recommend that you use a traceable method. This ensures that your claim package can be tracked and delivered safely. It also reduces the risk of losing documents and having to repeat the verification process.
Where do I send the documents?
The German pension insurance consists of 16 institutions, all of which have different addresses.
The easiest way to find out which institution is responsible for you is if you have recently received mail from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (for example, the annual pension information if you are over 27 years old and have been insured for at least 5 years). Take a look at the logo on the letterhead – the institution indicated there is most likely responsible for you.
On this page you can find the 16 different pension insurance institutions in Germany
STEP 4: Wait for your money to arrive
After submitting your application, please be patient as the German Pension Insurance will review your case. This process can take up to 6 months. Once the review is complete, you will receive a letter, referred to as the “decision,” at the address you provided on the application form. The decision letter will contain detailed information about the contribution periods considered and the amount approved for refund.
The approved refund amount will be automatically transferred to your German bank account.
However, if your bank account is outside of Germany, you will need to wait an additional two months after you receive the decision letter before initiating the transfer. This allows for any necessary arrangements to be made for international transactions.
It is important that you carefully review the contribution periods listed in the decision letter. Occasionally, the periods listed may cover only a portion of your total contribution history. In such cases, it is imperative that you respond promptly or call the designated contact person to ensure that you receive the full refund to which you are entitled.
Free service hotline:
0800 1000 4800
MO – TH 07:30 – 19:30,
FR 07:30 – 15:30
Please note that it is essential to respond within the given deadline mentioned in the notice. If the deadline has passed, it legally signifies that you accept the contents of the notice. Even if the notice is incomplete or inaccurate, you will not be able to request further changes or request a full refund after the deadline has expired.
We emphasize the importance of carefully reviewing the decision letter, adhering to the deadlines provided, and promptly addressing any discrepancies or concerns to ensure a satisfactory resolution of your pension refund claim.
FAQ: How to get a pension refund from Germany?
How many years do I have to work in Germany to be eligible for the reimbursement?
The number of years you worked in Germany does not determine your eligibility for a pension refund. Instead, it depends on how long you have not made pension contributions and whether you have the option of making voluntary contributions. Take the eligibility test!
Pension refund how long does it take?
You must wait 24 months after your last pension contribution before you can apply for a refund. The length of the refund process varies from case to case, but is usually between 1 and 6 months. In certain cases involving transfers of larger amounts, the process may take slightly longer.
Can I claim the it online?
Normally, the process of claiming a pension refund from the German Pension Insurance cannot be done online. However, our service provides assistance in handling all the necessary processes and communication with the German Pension Insurance.
We have digitized and automated all possible procedures of the pension refund process. This ensures that the process is as quick and easy as possible.
Our digital systems allow for an efficient and seamless workflow, providing you with a convenient experience when applying for a refund. We have streamlined the entire process to make it fast and hassle-free for you. With us you can get your pension money back online.
Can I receive a pension refund if I leave Germany after 5 years?
The number of years you have worked in Germany is relevant primarily if you are a citizen of a contracting state. As a citizen of a contracting state, you are eligible for a pension refund if you have worked in Germany for less than five years and currently reside in either a contracting state or a non-contracting state.
The contracting states include all countries with a social security agreement with Germany. You can find more information about which countries these are here in this blogpost: Pension Refund Contracting States
Where can I find the application form?
If you prefer to handle the pension refund process yourself, it is essential to find the appropriate application form, known in German as “Antrag auf Beitragserstattung”. You can easily access all the necessary documents on the official website of the Deutsche Rentenversicherung. Unfortunately, there is no English version and no English forms.
However, if you are unsure about the process or have limited German language skills, we are here to help. Our service is designed to simplify the reimbursement process and make it as convenient as possible for you. We understand that navigating this process can be time consuming and that legal assistance can be beneficial in such situations.
Can I receive a German pension refund within two years?
You can start the pension refund process in Germany as soon as 24 months have passed since your last contribution to the German pension insurance. This means that at least two years must have passed.
After you submit your application, it may take between 1 to 6 months to receive a response from the German pension insurance. In their message, they will inform you whether you are eligible for a refund and, if so, how much you will receive.
The transfer process will be faster if you provide a German bank account in your application. If you prefer to transfer the money to a foreign account, it may take up to two months to receive the funds. However, it will be worth the wait!
We help you with the pension refund when you leave Germany. Contact us today to get started!