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Germany - Albania German Pension Refund | All Rights Reserved
Are Albanian Citizens Eligible for a German Pension Refund?
The Social Security Agreement between Germany and Albania allows Albanian citizens living outside the EU to claim a German pension refund if they haven't qualified for a pension.
However, this applies only to those who worked in Germany for less than 5 years, including time spent on unemployment or parental leave benefits.
To be able to get a pension refund, you must have waited more than 24 months after your last pension contribution to the German pension fund.
Check Your Eligibility – It’s Completely Free
Confused about whether you qualify for a refund from the German pension system as an Albanian citizen?
We offer a totally free eligibility check to help you find out. Unlike other companies that charge for this service, we have made it available at no cost. Right after we have the results, we'll walk you through what they mean, so you'll have a clear understanding of your situation and the steps to take.
Find out if you're eligible for a refund of your German pension contributions at no cost. This service is exclusively available to non-EU citizens.
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How can I find out if I’ve already reached the 60-month contribution limit?
To check if you've met the 60-month contribution limit, keep in mind that in Germany, the pension office considers any work done during a month, regardless of how brief, as a full month's contribution.
So, even if you work just one day a month, it counts as a full month towards your pension. For example, let’s say you start working on August 31st, that one day is counted as a full month's contribution for August.
To check if you have reached the limit, count all the months that you have worked, received unemployment or parenting benefits.
How soon can I return to work in Europe after applying for a refund?
Your eligibility is determined on the day you submit your application. As an Albanian citizen, you are free to become employed in the European Union the day after submitting your refund application. Any changes in your employment status after that will not affect your claim.
How much should I expect when I get a German pension refund?
The average pension refund is approximately €11,800, though the amount may vary based on your individual situation. Refundable contributions include:
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A full (100%) reimbursement of the pension contributions you paid to the German pension insurance from your gross salary during your time working in Germany.
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Half (50%) of voluntary contributions, such as those made while freelancing or working under contract.
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Adjustments for contributions related to pension equalization after a divorce.
Since 2018, pension contributions in Germany have been 9.3% of your gross income, subject to a monthly cap (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze). In 2025 the income cap is set at €8,050, so any earnings that go beyond this amount are not subject to pension contributions.
What fees do I need to pay for claiming my pension refund?
We believe in keeping things simple and straightforward. You won’t need to pay anything until your German pension refund is sent safely into your account. The fee we charge is 9.75% of the refund amount, which covers all costs, including VAT and any legal fees that might come up during the process. We only charge you once your refund has been successfully processed, and the money is transferred to your bank account.
Is a German bank account required for my refund?
You do not need a German bank account to receive your pension refund. To ensure the refund process is as secure and efficient as possible, we use an escrow account managed by a German law firm. This system helps speed up the transfer process while also reducing extra costs such as currency conversion fees and transaction charges.
Once the refund is processed, it will be sent directly to the bank account of your choice, in the currency you prefer. This account doesn’t have to be a German one; it can be from any country, and even be in someone else’s name, if that’s more convenient for you. Our aim is to make sure the refund reaches your bank account as smoothly and cost-effectively as possible, no matter where and who you are.
How soon can Albanian citizens expect their German pension refund?
While a self-submitted pension claim can take more than six months to process, we've developed a faster, more efficient approach. On average, you can get a pension refund within 8 weeks instead of waiting half a year. With our extensive experience navigating German administrative systems and bureaucracy, we’ve optimized every step of the process.
Additionally, our partner law firms work directly with the German pension office, ensuring quicker processing of your refund. This combination of expertise and direct communication allows us to speed up your refund while maintaining accuracy.
Claim Your Pension Refund Today
Getting started is quick and easy – it takes less than 5 minutes, thanks to our simplified process and expert support. With an average pension refund of €11,800, you have nothing to lose and a potential refund to gain!
MAR/06/2025
Great experience
Great experience, all the process went very smooth, Mr. Johannes is very polite and extremely helpful.
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MAR/06/2025
Easy, hassle-free
I was initially skeptical about scams, but Christian Kliem clarified everything by answering all my questions.
Great service, great experience! The process is incredibly easy—you only need to submit a few documents, and GERMANY PENSION REFUND takes care of the rest.
I highly recommend GERMANY PENSION REFUND to anyone looking for a smooth and hassle-free experience.
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MAR/05/2025
Clear steps, regular updates
Johannes assisted me in getting my pension refund without the need for a single call. The process was straightforward, with clear steps and regular updates. I received my refund within two months, directly in my Indian account. I highly recommend this service.
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MAR/04/2025
Very positive experience
It has been a very positive experience dealing with Anna Kliem. I appreciated the regular updates on the progression of my application for a German pension refund. I personally would not have had the patience to deal with the German bureaucracy.
Thank you Anna!!!
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MAR/04/2025
Straightforward, smooth
Johannes was really helpful! The process was straightforward, and everything was executed smoothly. Highly recommended
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MAR/03/2025
Took the time to explain, swift responses
Very swift responses and professional service. I would highly recommend their services. Johannes took the time to explain things to me that I did not understand too, appreciate that!
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MAR/03/2025
Very effective service
Top service. Easy, fast and professional. Kudos to Christian Kliem for a very effective service.
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FEB/28/2025
Extremely fast process!
Super smooth and extremely fast process! I worked with Christian who was very responsive and quick to answer any questions. It was a pleasure! I would 100% work with them again.
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FEB/24/2025
Strongly recommend
I strongly recommend the German Pension Refund.
Christian, I sincerely appreciate your help during the entire process. My transaction went smoothly, and I got my pension back in less than a month. I sincerely appreciate all of your hard work.
All the best!
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FEB/24/2025
Effective and transparent, refund in 2 months
I recommend Germany Pension Refund service, their work and communication with me was effective and transparent. I've sent all documents by email and I got my refund in 2 months, much earlier than I expected.
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FEB/22/2025
Highly recommend their excellent service
Using the service of Germany Pension Refund was a smooth, stress free experience. Johannes and the team are highly professional yet kind and understanding to explain the process and support you with extra care and patience at every step. I could not imagine having to face the challenges of getting my pension sorted out without their support and knowledge. I Highly recommend their excellent service.
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FEB/22/2025
Seamless and smooth
Johannes and his Team made the process seamless and smooth. I will definitely recommend them to anyone needing this service.
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If you are curious to read more about the social security agreement and its effects on working in Germany and Albania, you can find more information about the Deutsche Rentenversicherung here.