How Do I Claim My German Pension Refund | Exit.de

As someone who lived and worked in Germany, you must have paid 9.3% of your gross salary to the German pension fund. Now, if you are planning on leaving the country, you are probably wondering what is going to happen to these pension contributions. The good news is that you can get a refund.

Even though claiming a Germany pension refund may seem challenging because of the bureaucratic system, understanding the steps involved will surely make the process easier. The process itself is quite straightforward especially if you have the right documents, know who to contact, and how long it will take.

This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about claiming your Germany pension refund. We’ll cover who can get a refund, what documents you need, and the steps to follow to make sure you get your money back. Whether you’re moving back home or to a new country, knowing how this process works will save you time and effort.

Who is eligible for a German pension refund?

The most important part is to figure out if you are eligible at all. Eligibility for a German pension refund depends on your citizenship and the agreements between Germany and your home country. Let’s have a closer look:

German citizens

If you’re a German citizen who paid into the German pension insurance scheme, you, in most cases, cannot receive the refund. Instead, as a German citizen you will use the ‌pension benefits once you reach retirement age. But if you’re leaving Germany forever, then you might be able to move your pension rights to another country. This depends on agreements between Germany and your new country.

The rule of thumb is that refunds are generally not given to those who plan to return to Germany and retire there in the future.

EU and EEA citizens

If you’re from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you must pay into the German pension system while working in Germany. This means you can’t get your pension insurance contributions back. However, there is an exception: if you are at least 67 years old and you do not qualify for a German pension, then you may be able to claim back the contributions you made during your time in Germany.

Citizens of contracting states

Citizens from countries that have social security agreements with Germany*, may be eligible for a refund under specific conditions outlined in the agreements. These agreements often allow for pension benefits to be either transferred or refunded, depending on individual circumstances.

To receive the refund as a citizen of a contracting state you have to meet the necessary criteria – you need to have contributed to the German pension system for at least five years and have left Germany.

*Albania, Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, India, Israel, Japan, South Korea, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Philippines, Tunisia, Turkey, United States, Uruguay.

Citizens of non-contracting states

If your country is not part of the EEA or a contracting state, then it is considered a non-contracting state. In legal terms, non-contracting states are the ones that do not have a social security agreement in place with Germany.

For citizens of non-contracting states, voluntary contributions to the German pension system are not possible, no matter where they live. This means that as a citizen of a non-contracting state, you are eligible for a pension refund regardless of how many years you worked in Germany.

What are the requirements for claiming a pension?

To claim a refund of all your pension payments, you must meet certain requirements like:

Waiting period

You can apply for the pension refund only after you have left Germany. After your last contribution to the German pension system, you must wait at least 2 years (24 months) before applying for a refund. This is a standard requirement for most countries.

Specific limitations for certain countries

In some cases, there are no limitations on a minimum contribution period. However, if you are a citizen of the USA, India, Australia, Canada, Albania, Moldova, The Philippines, South Korea, Brazil, Uruguay or Japan you have ‌additional criteria to meet.

The refund is possible only to people who contributed to the German pension scheme for less than five years ( 60 months). This is a strict rule, so make sure to check your contribution history to see if you meet this criteria.

If you’ve exceeded this period of 5 years, refunds are not possible for you anymore. However, these contributions can be used for your retirement benefits when you reach the German retirement age.

How to apply for a German pension refund?

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for a refund:

Citizenship: You must be from a country that allows for a refund (i.e., non-EU/EEA countries or countries with a social security agreement with Germany).
Contribution Length: Some countries require a specific contribution period which is less than 5 years (60 months).
Permanent Departure: You can only apply for the refund after you have left Germany permanently.
Waiting period: 24 months must have passed since your last pension payment.
Age (for EU/EEA citizens): If you’re from the EU/EEA, you must be 67 years old and not qualify for a German pension to be eligible for a refund.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To apply for a refund, you’ll need to provide several documents that will prove your identity. Typically it’s:

A copy of your passport or national ID
A German pension number (Versicherungsnummer)
Proof of employment

You can find ‌more detailed information about the necessary documents in the section below.

Step 3: Wait the Required 2-Year Period

After you leave Germany, you need to wait for at least 2 years (24 months) before you can apply for your refund. This waiting time is needed so that your last payment to the German pension system can be processed and this way the authorities can make sure you have moved out of Germany for good.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Once you have all the needed papers and the waiting time is done, send your application to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German Pension Insurance). The application can be done through:

Online Application

You can apply online via the official Deutsche Rentenversicherung website. The website is available in English, and it provides a step-by-step guide for filling out the application form.

Mail

If you prefer to apply by mail, you can download the necessary forms from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung website, fill them out, and send them to the following address:
Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund
10704 Berlin, Germany

German Pension Office Abroad

If you’re living outside Germany, you may be able to submit your application at the nearest German consulate or pension office abroad. This office can assist you with the application process.

Step 5: Wait for the Refund Processing

When you submit your application, the German pension authority will start working on it. It may take a few months for them to finish. How long it takes depends on how complicated your case is and how fast you give them all the needed documents.

Step 6: Receive Your Refund

If your application is successful, you’ll get your money back through a bank transfer. You’ll get the total amount you put into ‌ statutory pension insurance during the time you were eligible.

For a quick estimate of your refund, use this German Pension Refund Calculator. This tool can give you a ballpark amount you may be eligible to claim so that you know what to expect.

Which documents are required?

You will need the following documents to apply for a German pension refund:

Passport or identification document

Proof of identity is mandatory. Check your document to make sure it’s valid and includes updated personal details.

Pension contribution statements

To prove you paid into the German pension system, you need to provide records of your contributions. You can usually get these records from your employer or the pension authority.

Proof of Employment

Documents such as pay slips, employment contracts, or any paperwork showing the duration of your employment in Germany.

Proof of Permanent Departure from Germany

You will need to prove that you have permanently left Germany with the Deregistration certificate (Abmeldung) or proof of residence in your new country.

How long does the pension refund process take?

It can take three to six months to get your pension. This depends on how complete your application is and how busy the pension authority is. There may be delays if you need to provide more documents or if your application needs to be checked. To speed things up:

Submit all required documents at once.
Respond quickly to any requests for additional information.
Track your application’s progress regularly with the pension authority.

How much money can I get back?

The average refund is about €11,800, but the exact amount depends on your particular situation. Refunds can include:

All pension contributions are taken from your salary while working in Germany.
Half of voluntary payments, such as those made by freelancers.
Adjustments for divorce rulings, if pension contributions were shared or deducted.

Since 2018, pension contributions have been 9.3% of your gross income, but only up to a set income limit (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze). In 2024, this limit is €7,550 in West Germany, so earnings above that amount are not included. Remember that refunds must be taxed in some countries, so check the local tax laws in advance. Also, if your refund is transferred to a non-Euro account, currency conversion rates may apply.

If you want to find out how much money you can refund, try this German Pension Refund Calculator. This tool will give you a clear estimate so that you know what to expect.

How will the pension be refunded?

Refunds will be sent to your preferred bank account so make sure to give accurate bank details and provide an International Bank Account Number (IBAN) and SWIFT code if needed.

Before receiving the refund, check if there are any fees your bank may charge for receiving foreign funds. And in case, your banking details change, notify the pension authority immediately.

Additional tips

Seek professional advice

The whole process may seem complex and confusing, so consulting with a team of experts and legal advisors specializing in German pension refunds is highly recommended. They are fully equipped and experienced in managing even the strictest eligibility rules and documentation requirements.

Double-check documents

To avoid delays, make sure all forms and paperwork are filled out completely and accurately. Missing or incorrect information is a common reason for delays in processing claims.

Stay updated

Follow up with the German pension authority to track your application status. Regular communication can help solve any issues right away and ensure your claim goes smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the refund process take?

We know waiting for your refund can be frustrating, so we’ve created a process to speed things up. Instead of the usual 6+ months it takes to file a claim on your own, our streamlined approach gets most refunds processed in under 8 weeks. By partnering with trusted law firms who work directly with the German pension office (Deutsche Rentenversicherung), we’ve reduced unnecessary delays to make the process as smooth and quick as possible.

Will claiming a pension refund affect my chances of employment in the future?

Claiming a German pension refund won’t affect your job opportunities. Employers don’t look at your pension balance, whether past, present, or future. Once your refund is processed, your pension account will be reset to zero and closed. If you return to work in Germany later, the account will reopen, and your contributions will start again. However, if you’re considering retiring in Germany or applying for German citizenship, it’s worth thinking carefully before requesting a refund, as it may impact your long-term plans.

Is my pension refund taxable?

In Germany, pension refunds are not taxed. However, the refunded amount might be subject to taxes in your home country. To avoid any surprises, it’s a good idea to check with a local tax advisor. If needed, we can provide documents to confirm the source of the income for your tax records.

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