Claim Your German Pension Refund: It’s Easy, Fast, & Secure
We help busy expats like you quickly secure a refund on your German pension contributions.
For you to qualify for a refund of your German pension contributions, you must meet these two specific requirements: #1: You must currently live in a non-EU country. #2: At least 24 months must have passed since your last pension contribution to the German pension fund.
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What Our Customers Say
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The Easiest Way to Claim Your German Pension Refund
We understand that applying for a pension refund on your own is an arduous task. There is a lot of paperwork involved, and a challenging administrative system to navigate. That’s why we handle the entire process for you – from start to finish. Our dedicated team is highly experienced, so you can feel confident that your German pension refund is being handled properly. We offer a personalized customer experience, and treat every refund with equal priority. Here’s why people choose us:
Easy
Simply create an account, answer a few straightforward questions, and let us do the rest. Our efficient process will autofill your details, and let you upload documents instantly. If you have any questions, just reach out to your dedicated client manager, and they’ll provide immediate help. You don’t need to speak German to make an application, and you don’t need a German bank account either.
Fast
We know your time is important. That’s why it takes less than 5 minutes to make an application. Our process ensures that the average pension refund is processed within 8 weeks. You won’t need to provide your German pension insurance records before making a claim, so we can process your refund fast. We’ll send you timely updates, and our support team will be available 24/7 to help you with anything you need.
Secure
Your security is our highest priority. We use a law firm escrow to protect your German pension fund before it’s released into your bank account. Your personal data is protected by advanced encryption, giving you complete peace of mind. And you don’t need to worry about extra fees either, as we process your refund in your preferred currency.
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German Pension Refund Pricing
Transparency is one of our core values. That’s why our pricing is simple and straightforward. You can check your eligibility for free, and you only pay our success-based service fee after your refund has been granted.
Eligibility Check – 100% Free
We know that some companies charge their customers to check their eligibility for a refund. We don’t. Whether you’re eligible or not, we’ll take the time to explain your situation.
Find out if you qualify for a German pension refund for free.
Available exclusively for non-EU citizens.
Check Your Eligibility
Special Offer – 35% Discount
For a limited time, we’ve reduced our service fee, making us one of the most affordable pension refund services in Germany. Make your claim today before it’s too late.
Service fee reduced from 15% to 9.75% (VAT included).
No minimum or upfront fees, and no hidden costs.
Your funds are fully protected in a secure German law firm escrow account.
You only pay after your refund is complete.
Enjoy a simple, straightforward, and secure process.
Sit back and relax until your refund is deposited into your bank account.
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Deregistration in Germany – only €50 (including VAT)
We can notify German authorities that you are no longer living and working in the country. This step is essential if you want to claim a refund but haven’t yet deregistered.
You will need proof of identification (passport, or photo ID)
One adult can complete the deregistration process for the rest of their family.
This service is exclusively for non-EU citizens.
Start The Process
How to Qualify for a German Pension Refund
If you are a non-EU citizen who made mandatory pension contributions while working in Germany, you can make a claim. You first need to meet these 2 basic criteria:
· You live outside the EU or UK at the time of applying for the refund.
· At least 2 years have passed since your last German pension contribution.
Depending on your nationality, additional rules may apply. To be 100% sure that you qualify, please check the additional rules for your country below. If your country is not listed here, you already qualify if you meet the 2 basic criteria above.
USA
As a citizen of the United States, you qualify if your contributions were less than 60 months (5 years). If you’ve contributed for 5 years or longer, you’ll be eligible for a German retirement pension once you reach the German retirement age.
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India
If you’re an Indian citizen who has contributed to the German pension system, you can apply for a refund if your pension balance is less than 60 months (5 years).
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Australia
Australian citizens are eligible for a refund from the German pension system if they have a pension balance of less than 60 monthly contributions in total.
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Canada
As a Canadian citizen who contributed to the German statutory pension insurance system, you can claim a refund if your pension balance is under 60 months (5 years).
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Brazil
As a Brazilian national who has worked in Germany, you may be eligible for a refund of all your pension payments if your pension balance is less than 60 months (5 years).
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The Philippines
If you’re a Filipino citizen who has made contributions to the German pension system, you can qualify for a refund if your pension balance is below 60 months (5 years).
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Japan
If you’re a Japanese citizen who is currently living in Japan, you can claim a refund if you have a pension balance of less than 60 months (5 years). Yet, if you live outside of Japan, this additional rule does not apply.
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Albania
Albanian citizens who have contributed to the German pension system can apply for a refund if their pension balance is less than 60 months (5 years).
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Bosnia-Herzegovina
As a citizen of Bosnia-Herzegovina, you can claim a refund only if you reside outside of Bosnia, or any other former Yugoslav state. If you live outside of former Yugoslav countries, no additional rules apply.
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Kosovo
If you’re a Kosovar citizen who has contributed to the German pension system, you are eligible for a refund if you live outside Kosovo, or any former Yugoslav state at the time of your claim.
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Montenegro
Montenegrin citizens can qualify for a refund from the German pension system if they are living outside Montenegro or any former Yugoslav state.
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H3: Serbia
If you’re a Serbian citizen, you can apply for a refund only if you reside outside Serbia or any former Yugoslav state.
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Israel
Israeli citizens who have made contributions to the German pension system are not eligible for a refund while living in Israel before reaching the German retirement age. Yet, if you reside outside of Israel, no additional rules apply.
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Moldova
As a Moldovan citizen, you can qualify for a refund if you live outside Germany and have a pension balance of less than 60 months (5 years).
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North Macedonia
If you’re a citizen of North Macedonia and have contributed to the German pension system, you may be eligible for a refund if your pension balance is under 60 months (5 years).
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South Korea
As a South Korean citizen, who has made contributions to the German pension system, you can claim a refund if you have a pension balance of less than 60 months (5 years).
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Tunisia
If you’re a Tunisian citizen, and you currently live in Tunisia, your refund must be paid directly from the German pension office to your local Tunisian bank account. If you live outside of Tunisia, this rule does not apply.
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Morocco
Moroccan citizens who have contributed to the German pension scheme, and currently live in Morocco, can only receive a direct refund to their local Moroccan bank account. If you live abroad, this rule does not apply.
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Turkey
If you are a Turkish citizen, you only qualify for a refund if you haven’t made any mandatory pension contributions to the Turkish pension system for the past 2 years. If you reside in Turkey, this usually means that you’ll have to wait until you retire before you can claim. If you live outside Turkey, you qualify for a refund.
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Uruguay
As a Uruguayan citizen who has contributed to the German pension system, you can qualify for a refund if your pension balance is less than 60 months (5 years).
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Frequently Asked Questions
We take pride in our ability to manage complex cases. No matter your situation, you can trust in our ability to deliver your refund successfully. At Germany Pension Refund you’ll be assigned a dedicated client account manager, so you’ll have a single, consistent point of contact throughout the refund process. In the meantime, we’ve compiled some of the most common questions our customers have about the refund process.
How much will my total refund amount be?
The average pension refund is €11,800. However, your total refund amount will depend on your personal circumstances. Refundable contributions include:
· 100% of pension contributions deducted from your salary while you were employed in Germany.
· 50% of voluntary contributions paid, e.g. as a freelancer.
· Plus/minus contributions received/deducted through pension equalization in a divorce ruling.
Since 2018, pension insurance contributions have been fixed at 9.3% of your gross income, applied up to a monthly maximum income level (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze). In 2024, the maximum in West Germany is €7,550. If you earn above the cap, only €7,550 are subject to contribution.
How long does the refund process take?
We know that our customers want their refunds as quickly as possible. That’s why we’ve developed an efficient, streamlined process that takes less than 8 weeks (compared to the 6+ months it takes for self-submitted claims). Our partner law firms have a direct connection to the German pension office (Deutsche Rentenversicherung), enabling faster claims.
How much is your service fee?
Our service fee is 9.75% of the refunded amount. This includes VAT and all external law firm costs. There are no additional fees or hidden costs. Our success-based service operates on a “no refund, no fee” model, so you only pay after your refund has been received.
Will claiming a pension refund affect my chances of employment in the future?
Claiming a refund has no impact on your employment prospects. Employers don’t consider your past, current, or future pension balance. Once your German pension refund is granted, your pension account will be reset to zero and closed. If you work in Germany again, your account will be reopened, and you’ll start afresh. However, if you’re planning to retire in Germany, or acquire German citizenship, you might consider refraining from getting your refund.
Is my pension refund taxable?
Pension refunds are not subject to tax in Germany. However, the refunded amount may be taxable in your home country. It’s always best to consult your local tax advisor. If required, we can provide documents to verify the source of the income.
Pension Refund Germany: Make Your Application Today
With our streamlined process, it takes less than 5 minutes to start your application. Your claim will be processed in around 8 weeks, compared to the 6+ months it takes when self-submitting. With an average refund amount of €11,800, there’s nothing to lose.
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