Basis-Pension in Germany

The Rürup Pension, also known as Basis-Rente, is a private retirement savings plan introduced in 2005 to provide a tax-advantaged alternative to traditional pensions. It was designed for self-employed individuals, freelancers, and high-income earners who are often excluded from the benefits of other pension schemes.

Contributions to the Rürup Pension are fully deductible as special expenses starting in 2025, up to €28,091 for individuals and €56,182 for married couples or registered partnerships.

You can begin drawing your Rürup Pension from the age of 63. Payments are made monthly and guaranteed for life. Unlike some other pension schemes, there is no option for a lump-sum withdrawal, which ensures your savings provide consistent support throughout retirement.

Feather’s Basis-Pension focuses on maximizing your savings with no high upfront costs and a simple yearly fee. This means your money works for you from day one. Flexible contributions and clear, hassle-free management make it especially suited for expats and digital natives.

If you leave Germany, your Rürup Pension remains active. Contributions will stop, but the funds continue to grow through investments.

Most Basis Pension plans are fund-based, offering a wide variety of investment options, including managed portfolios and ETFs. These allow you to customize your investment strategy, balancing security and growth potential according to your preferences.

If the policyholder dies during the paying-in phase, the accumulated amount is converted into a benefit for qualified beneficiaries, such as a spouse or children under the age of 25. If death occurs during the payout phase, payments can continue to the beneficiary for a pre-arranged period, known as the guarantee period, which typically ranges from 5 to 18 years.