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Private Pension Germany: The 2025 Guide to Retirement

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[BP] pension system and retirement in germany

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A complete guide to getting your German pension back

Get ready because you probably haven’t seen bureaucracy this dense before. It’ll be difficult, but if you follow all of the rules, you could potentially get several thousand euros back from your German pension, so it’s worth taking some time to figure it out. We’ve also tried to answer any questions you might have along the way!


## Factors that go into claiming a pension refund in Germany


1. Citizenship;
2. How long you worked in Germany;
3. How much your gross salary was;
4. And, where you are currently living.


###### While writing this article, we worked with Georg, the CEO of [Refund German Pension Insurance](https://pension-refund.com/), a company that helps expats get their pension refund back.


He provided us with a fictional example to show how much someone could get back:


*Shahid is a software engineer from Egypt who came to Berlin in April 2016\. He stayed for a little over four years until the end of August 2020 (53 months in total). He earned an average gross monthly salary of 4\.5k for this time before moving to Saudi Arabia. After filing for a pension refund, he can expect to receive about €22,200\.*


*Shahid will have to wait until September 2022 to file for this refund since there is a mandatory 24\-month waiting period.*


**Interested in knowing more about your pension refund? Contact [Pension Refund Germany](http://pension-refund.com) to find out:**


1. [If you are eligible](https://www.pension-refund.com/)
2. [How much refund you can expect](https://www.pension-refund.com/)
3. [File the documents in their Online Platform, no paper needed.](https://www.pension-refund.com/)


![](https://storage.googleapis.com/popsure-blog-content/1/2022/08/Comp-33-1.png)
## **How do I file to claim my German pension?**


You can use the [online process](https://www.pension-refund.com/) of Pension Refund Germany or do the work yourself.


### **1\. Download and begin to fill out the V0900 form**


First, you’ll need to fill out one of the following forms: V0901 (English / German), V0902 (French / German), or the original V0900 (only German). There are a few differences between the documents as we did, and while V0901 and V0902 should be acceptable for filing, we recommend using them to fill in the information for V0900 


You can find these located on the [Deutsche Rentenversicherung Website](https://www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de/).


### **2\. Section 5 – Insurance history**


You might have been fine until this section, but then it asks you for **all insurance documents**. There was also probably a moment of panicked searching through that one binder of German documents you gathered throughout your stay. 


#### You’ll need to request these documents:


- *Versicherungsverlauf* (insurance history) which you can request through the *Deutsche Rentenversicherung* (German Pension Insurance).
- A second *Versicherungsverlauf* (insurance history) with all insurances you had in Germany.
- You should also attach your *Lohnsteuerbescheinigungen* (income tax certificates) for each financial year you worked in Germany.
	- You can request these from your employer(s).


If you’re insured under private or public health insurance at Feather, then you can request these documents by [emailing us](https://feather-insurance.com/support). We will provide you with proof of insurance along with proof of payment for the entirety of the time you were insured through us. 


###### **Important**: if you answer “yes” to the question about gaps in insurance in section 5, you’ll need to fill out the additional form V0105 to include all timeframes where these gaps take place. This document does not come in languages other than German.


### **3\. Creating a De\-mail account**


Most people filing for pension reimbursement no longer have a German address. Just the requirement that filing is done a minimum of 24 months after proof that you’ve left the country almost guarantees that you’d no longer have a mailing address. 


Thankfully, there is a way around this. You can make a [de\-mail account](https://produkte.web.de/de-mail/deutsche-rentenversicherung/) with Web.de who partner with the German pension insurance. With this email, you can receive secure communication without needing a mailbox.


**Please note**: The registration requires a European address which would disqualify you from receiving the pension, so it’s a good idea to make this email before leaving Germany and save the credentials for when it’s time to apply. 


### **4\. Creating an online pension insurance account**


A few of the documents you’ll need require a formal request from the German pension insurance. If you look closely, you’ll see that they don’t allow for a country or alternative address outside of Germany for this information. 


To be able to request documents from them online, we suggest you make an account before leaving Germany to have the documents be sent to your De\-mail account.


For more information, see their article on their [online services](https://www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de/DRV/DE/Beratung-und-Kontakt/Kontakt/De-Mail/de_mail.html). 


## **So, is it really that hard?**


Yes, it 100% is a difficult process which is why we’ve contacted [**Pension Refund Germany**](https://www.pension-refund.com/)**, a company dedicated to simplifying and digitizing the pension reimbursement process**. If you’re struggling with the pension reimbursement process or just haven’t prepared the documents in advance to start the reimbursement process, it might be worth it to [contact them](https://www.pension-refund.com/) and see how much you could get back with their help. Alternatively, if you still need more information to try it yourself, our friends from All About Berlin also have a [pension refund guide](https://allaboutberlin.com/guides/pension-payments-refund) with additional information on documents and more.


For more helpful articles on insurance and life in Germany, [see our blog](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/)! Otherwise, if you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment below, and we’ll do our best to answer your questions!


![](https://storage.googleapis.com/popsure-blog-content/1/2022/08/Comp-34-1.png)
## **German pension refund companies**


If you haven’t already read our guide on getting your pension insurance back, then you should check it out first because it outlines everything you need to know. In this article, we’ll be expanding on this topic to include German pension refund companies and what to watch out for when hiring them.


### **Hidden processing fees**


Unless you read our first article, you probably didn’t know that some people won’t qualify to get their pension back. It really comes down to how long you worked in Germany, where you’re from, how long you’ve been gone, and how much you earned. 


Pension refund companies can check this relatively easily, but it means that they wouldn’t be able to charge processing fees for the obvious cases that a pension refund isn’t available. That’s why they’ll go through the process of applying for the pension refund even when they know it won’t go through to charge you a processing fee. 


If you go into the fee tab of most pension refund companies, you’ll see a small fee listed at the top of their website that’s about €100, but if you scroll down, there is a “minimum fee” (about €900\) and a “maximum fee” (about €2500\) which is all for processing and excludes the 10% fee taken directly from your pension refund. 


You will be charged these fees regardless of if you’re eligible for your pension refund or not. If a website does not list its fees, it might be best not to use that company.


### **Lump sum and legal fees**


All pension refund companies function on the basis of lump sum fees after you get your refund back. The fee should be about 10% and 15% for the most expensive companies. These fees should be listed on the website. 


Our partners at Refund German Pension Insurance only charge a fee of 10%, and they won’t charge additional hidden fees for legal costs either. Most of the time, the documents just need to be sent to an address and filed in German, so the process isn’t as complicated as it seems if you’re in Germany. Problems arise because you have to prove you’ve lived outside of Germany for at least two years to apply for the refund and then need to hand in more documents that are sent to your German address. 


The legal fees are almost never needed for this reason, so you should consider it a red flag if the company you’re working with can’t justify the use of a lawyer. We have seen problems with people’s documents getting stuck in limbo for an unacceptable amount of time, and a lawyer has needed to send a letter threatening legal action, but this is rarely the case.




---


#### **Additional information:**


**I am filing for someone else. What do I need to do?** If you are filing for someone else, you’ll need to prove that you are legally allowed to do so. They accept proof through a power of attorney or a court mandate. 

  **I am filing for someone else who is deceased. What do I need to know?** If the person you are filing for is deceased, you’ll need to attach a death certificate. Please note that this needs to be the original document. Notarized documents outside of Germany are not officially recognized.   
  
Some certificates are also not recognized or must go through a “research process” by the German government to verify their validity. 

  **What are the timeframes?** We recommend starting the process for your pension refund application before you leave Germany. This will give you time to set up online accounts to enable a digital application process. You can see examples of this in steps 3 and 4 above.   
  
Otherwise, the timeframes are as follows:  
1\. You have to work less than 60 months or 5 years in Germany to apply.  
2\. You have to have proof that you are leaving Germany (Abmeldung or deregistration)  
3\. After 24 months of moving to a Non\-European country, you can submit the application

  **Why can’t I claim my pension if I stay longer than 5 years?** Pension reimbursement is only for people who cannot claim a pension when they reach the age of retirement and live outside of the European Union.   
  
German pension insurance has a minimum of 5 years of contributions to be able to benefit from their retirement plan. This means anyone who contributes to German pension insurance for more than 5 years should be eligible to receive benefits. 

  **What do I need?** You’ll need to go to the website of the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche  
 Rentenversicherung) to download the forms:   
- V0900 \[Everyone needs to file this]  
- V0910 \[Additional information to V0900]  
- V0901 \[Englsih / German cheat sheet for V0900]  
- V0902 \[French / German cheat sheet for V0900]  
- German power of attorney \[when filing for someone else]  
- V0105 \[For employment gaps]  
- V0100 \[Additional space for V0105]  
- V0110 \[Form to explain why employment gaps happened]  
- Additional forms need to be downloaded depending on the reasons for employment gaps  
  
Along with these forms from the website of the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, you’ll need:   
– Visa and valid form of identification  
– Proof that you have lived outside of Germany for at least 24 months  
– Annual tax certificates from your employer(s) \[Lohnsteuerbescheinigung(en)]  
– A complete history of your insurance coverage while working in Germany  
– A complete history of pension insurance from the German Pension Institution (Deutsche Rentenversicherung)  
– Scanned health insurance card(s)



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[BP] getting your german pension back

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How to Maximize Your Pension in Germany (Expert Tips)

This step\-by\-step guide reveals how to get the most out of your statutory pension, a tip shared by an independent pension advisor from [Versicherungen mit Kopf](https://www.versicherungenmitkopf.de/). 


99\.9% of people are unaware of this strategy, so stick around until the end to learn how to maximize your pension 100% legally.


This trick has been possible since January 1, 2023\. 


Since then, the earnings limit for the old\-age pension has been completely abolished. 


This means you can receive an old\-age pension while continuing to work, and your work income will not be reduced.


## Understanding the New Pension Rules


You might think this means I want you to keep working beyond your regular retirement age, typically 67\. Retirement at 70, perhaps? While that’s possible, it’s not the trick I’m talking about here.


Yes, for this strategy, you should work until 67 instead of [retiring early](https://www.versicherungenmitkopf.de/tricks-um-frueher-in-rente-zu-gehen). But you will build your retirement smartly. 


## The Clever Retirement Strategy


Here’s how it works…


If you’ve met the 35\-year waiting period, you can retire at 63 with a 14\.4% deduction to your pension. 


Here’s the clever part: at 63, you start receiving your pension but don’t actually retire. You continue to work. 


The crucial point is that you need a well\-paid job, even as a “pensioner.” This strategy doesn’t make sense if your new job pays significantly less than your old one or if you can’t get a new job at all.


But who says you have to change jobs for this plan? No one. Most employment contracts end when you reach the regular retirement age, usually 67\.


By talking to your employer, in most cases, you can continue working there despite drawing your pension.


## Reaping the Benefits


Here’s what happens: you receive your old\-age pension, albeit with a 14\.4% deduction, starting at 63, and you continue working, earning your full salary. Plus, you keep accumulating pension points, which will increase your pension when you reach the regular retirement age.


This approach is often much more lucrative than simply working until 67\.


Although you will still have a deduction of around 6% when you turn 67, thanks to the additional pension points earned over the four years, the deduction is significantly reduced from 14\.4%. 


6% is higher than no deduction at the regular retirement age of 67, but you will have received tens of thousands of euros in pension during the four years before, which more than compensates for the deduction.


## Flexibility and Further Planning


If you haven’t reached the 45\-year waiting period in your professional life (yes, in the [German pension system](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/pension-system-and-retirement-in-germany/), there is both a 35\-year and a 45\-year waiting period) and thus an early retirement without deductions at 65 is not possible, you should definitely take a closer look at this model.


You don’t necessarily have to work until 67\. For example, you can start drawing your pension at 63 and only work until 65\. The pension points earned in the additional two working years will still benefit you from 67 onwards.


In any case, you should discuss this approach with an independent pension advisor of your choice to get the most out of your personal pension.


And if you’ve also privately secured yourself with a cost\-effective and high\-yield [ETF pension insurance](https://www.versicherungenmitkopf.de/rentenversicherung/etf-sparplan-oder-etf-rentenversicherung), nothing stands in the way of a worry\-free retirement.


Maximizing your pension with this strategy involves starting to receive your pension at 63, continuing to work, and accumulating additional pension points. Although there is an initial deduction, the overall financial benefits gained over the years more than make up for it. 


Always consult with a pension advisor to tailor this plan to your personal situation and ensure a comfortable retirement.

[BP] maximize pension germany

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5 German Pension Myths You Shouldn’t Believe in 2025

Planning for retirement is one of the most crucial financial steps you will take in your life.


However, when it comes to [pensions in Germany](https://feather-insurance.com/pension-insurance), many people still rely on outdated information or common misconceptions. 


From misunderstandings about how much you’ll receive to confusion around retirement age and taxes, these myths can lead to costly surprises down the line.


In reality, the German pension system has changed significantly in recent years, and knowing the facts can help you make smarter decisions for your future.


In this guide, you’ll learn:


- What the *Rentenniveau* really means (and why it’s not a personal forecast)
- How pension taxation works today (and what it means for your take\-home income)
- Why the retirement age rules aren’t the same for everyone
- What the pension office *doesn’t* automatically know about your work history
- And why applying for your pension is a step you *can’t* skip


By the end, you’ll be able to separate fact from fiction—and take more control of your retirement planning in Germany.


## 1\. The “pension level” (Rentenniveau) tells you how much you’ll receive


A common mistake is thinking that the pension level—or *Rentenniveau*—shows what percentage of your last salary you’ll receive in retirement. 


For example, if the Rentenniveau is 50%, people assume they’ll get half their final income as a pension. 


That’s not how it works.


The Rentenniveau is a system\-wide indicator, not a personal forecast. It shows the relationship between the **Standardrente** (standard pension) and the average salary of all insured workers.


The **Standardrente** is a reference point. It represents the pension someone would earn after contributing for 45 years at exactly the average income level. 


As of 2023, this amounts to about €1,667 per month in western Germany and €1,620 in the east—before taxes and deductions.


Most people’s work histories don’t match this ideal. 


That’s why the Rentenniveau doesn’t reflect what you’ll personally receive. Your pension depends on how much you earned, how long you contributed, and other individual factors.


### What this means for you:


Don’t rely on Rentenniveau when estimating your future income. Use your annual pension statement or online calculators for a more accurate picture—and consider building private savings to close any gaps.


## 2\. “Pensions are tax\-free” – Not anymore


Many people still believe that pensions in Germany aren’t taxed. While this was mostly true for earlier generations, the rules have changed.


Since 2005, Germany has introduced **deferred taxation** (*nachgelagerte Besteuerung*), where a growing portion of your [pension becomes taxable depending on when you retire](https://www.versicherungenmitkopf.de/wie-wird-die-rente-versteuert). 


For example:


- If you retire in **2025**, **83\.5%** of your pension will be subject to tax.
- By **2058**, pensions will be **100% taxable**. The taxable portion increases by **0\.5% per year** until then.


What matters is the **year you begin receiving your pension**. That year locks in your **tax\-free portion**, not as a percentage, but as a fixed amount. This doesn’t change, even if your pension increases.


For example, if you retire in 2025 with a pension of €20,000 per year, **16\.5%** of that, or **€3,300**, is tax\-free for life. If your pension rises to €21,000 the following year, your tax\-free amount stays €3,300\. You won’t get a larger tax\-free allowance just because your pension increased.


There is some good news: while you’re working, you can now deduct up to **100% of your pension contributions** from your taxable income. This benefit, originally planned for 2025, was moved up and took effect in **2023**.


### What this means for you:


You can reduce your tax burden while you’re still earning. But keep in mind that your pension income later will likely be taxed, so it’s smart to plan ahead and understand what your future tax situation might look like.


## 3\. You can always retire at 63 with 45 years of contributions


Many people believe they can [retire at 63 without penalties](https://www.versicherungenmitkopf.de/rente-mit-63) if they have contributed to the German pension system for 45 years. 


This was once true, but not anymore.


For those born **before 1953**, retiring at **63** without deductions was possible. However, the rules have changed for younger generations:


- If you were born **in 1964 or later**, you must wait until **age 65** to retire without deductions, even with 45 contribution years.
- For those born **between 1953 and 1964**, the penalty\-free retirement age increases by **two months per year** of birth.


This gradual shift helps keep the pension system sustainable as Germany’s population ages and people live longer.


### What this means for you:


Check your birth year and plan accordingly. If you’re aiming for early retirement, be aware of the new age limits and prepare for potential deductions if you retire before the allowed age.


## 4\. The pension office has all your data


It’s easy to assume that the pension office (*Deutsche Rentenversicherung*) has a complete record of your pension contributions. 


But that’s not always the case, and missing or incorrect data can reduce your future pension.


Common gaps include:


- **Child\-rearing periods**
- **Education or vocational training**
- **Unrecorded employment periods**


These omissions can lead to lower payments if not corrected.


### What this means for you:


Request a **Kontenklärung** (account clarification) to review and update your records. You can do this online or by appointment. 


Fixing any missing data now ensures you get the pension you deserve later.


## 5\. Pension payments start automatically


Many assume their pension will begin on its own once they reach retirement age, but that’s not the case. You must **apply for your pension**. It won’t start automatically.


To avoid losing money, the **Deutsche Rentenversicherung** recommends applying **at least three months** before your planned retirement date.


  
And since your pension can only be paid **retroactively for up to three months**, if you apply late, you may miss out on a significant amount of money to which you are otherwise entitled.


### What this means for you:


Mark your calendar and apply early. Allow yourself sufficient time to gather the necessary documents and submit your application without stress.


6. Bonus tip: Boost your pension legally


You’re not stuck with the pension amount calculated by default. There are legal ways to increase your benefits. For example:


- **Make voluntary contributions** to fill gaps or boost your points.
- **Delay your retirement**—for each month you work past the official age, your pension increases by **0\.5%**.
- **Combine work and pension**: You can start drawing your pension while continuing to work. This strategy enables you to continue earning while enhancing your financial security. [Read more in this guide.](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/maximize-pension-germany/)


## Conclusion


Germany’s pension system has evolved, and many long\-held beliefs are no longer applicable. 


Whether it’s understanding the true meaning of the Rentenniveau, knowing how taxes work, or remembering to apply on time, being informed is your best strategy.


Start planning early, verify your records, and explore all your options. A little effort now can make a big difference later.

Always helping for pension questions

[BP] german pension myths