How to Get a German Pension Refund
- Mark@Germanypensionrefund
- Jul 15
- 8 min read
If you are currently based and working in Germany, you must be paying pension payments into the German pension insurance system (Deutsche Rentenversicherung). So if you’re a foreign national who made such contributions to this system, you might be wondering what happens when you leave Germany.
The good news is: you might be eligible to receive a German pension refund.
Since the process of getting a pension refund may seem complicated at first, this guide will help you understand eligibility rules, types of countries involved, potential refund amounts, application procedures, timelines, and frequently asked questions.
What is a German Pension Refund?
When you work in Germany, both you and your employer contribute to the statutory pension insurance scheme (Deutsche Rentenversicherung). This system ensures that employees receive a pension when they retire. Your pension contributions are automatically deducted from your salary and deposited into the German pension fund.
A German pension refund is a reimbursement of the mandatory contributions you made to the German pension system.
You lose all rights to a German pension once you claim a refund.
Refunds are designed mainly for people who will not benefit from a pension in Germany due to leaving the country and their home country’s rules.
The refund is only possible for your share of contributions, not the employer’s.
It is a one-time lump sum repayment of your contributions, not including interest or investment returns.
It is important to note that the refund process is not automatic. You must apply for the refund, and your application must meet specific legal and residency requirements.
The process involves collecting the correct documents, completing detailed application forms, and sometimes communicating with German pension authorities — all of which can be confusing and time-consuming, especially if you are applying from abroad or are unfamiliar with German bureaucracy, or are not fluent in German.
That’s where the Germany Pension Refund team can help. If you need professional assistance with your German pension refund application, our experienced team is ready to guide you through every step. With our support, you can rest assured that your application is thoroughly and correctly submitted, which significantly reduces the risk of rejection or delays.
Who Can Apply for a German Pension Refund?
Eligibility to claim a German pension refund depends mostly on your nationality and your residence status, as well as the details mentioned in social security agreements between Germany and your home country.
EU/EEA and Switzerland Citizens
If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you generally cannot get a refund of your German pension contributions. Instead, under EU Social Security regulations, your contributions in Germany are combined with those you make in other EU/EEA/Swiss countries. This means your total pension will be based on all the time you paid into the system in these countries when you retire.
This means, for example, if you worked 5 years in Germany and 10 years in France, when you reach retirement age, both countries will pay you a pension proportional to the time you contributed there.
However, there is an important exception: If you are at least 67 years old and do not qualify for a German pension because your totalized contributions still do not meet the minimum requirements for a pension entitlement, you may be eligible for a refund of your German pension contributions.
Contracting Country Citizens
A contracting country is a country outside the EU and EEA that has signed a bilateral social security agreement with Germany. These agreements manage pension rights and contributions between Germany and the other countries. They also include detailed information on eligibility for a German pension refund.
Currently, Germany has social security agreements with the following contracting countries:
Albania, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Serbia, South Korea, The Philippines, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, and the USA.
Each agreement is different and has unique rules regarding German pension refunds, eligibility, and the treatment of contributions. You should carefully check the agreement between Germany and your home country to see how you can get your German pension refund.
Non-Contracting Country Citizens
If you are from a country that does not have a social security agreement with Germany, and you have left the EU/UK, you might be eligible to apply for a pension refund.
The rules for countries that don’t have an agreement with Germany are a lot simpler. The usual conditions for getting a pension refund if your country doesn’t have an agreement with Germany are:
You must have made contributions to the German statutory pension system.
You must no longer reside in Germany or anywhere in the EU/UK.
At least 24 months must have passed since your last contribution to the German pension system.
Common examples of countries often classified as non-contracting are New Zealand, China, Russia, Indonesia, Mexico, Thailand, Singapore...
How Much Pension Refund Can You Get?
The refund amount depends on several key factors:
How many years you worked in Germany
Your annual gross salary
The total amount of employee contributions you made to the German pension system
Germany’s pension contribution rate is 18.6%, split evenly between you and your employer. That means your personal contribution is 9.3% of your gross salary, and this is the amount you may be eligible to claim back — provided you meet the legal requirements.
Calculation example of an average pension refund:
If you worked in Germany for 3 years and earned €90,000 per year:
Your annual contribution: €90,000 × 9.3% = €8,370
Total refund for 3 years: €8,370 × 3 = €25,110
This gives you a general idea, but every case is different. Factors like exact contribution periods, income changes, and payment timing can all affect the final amount. That’s why it’s important to use an accurate tool to estimate your refund.
Want to know your exact refund amount? Use our free, easy-to-use German Pension Refund Calculator. Just enter your salary and how many months you worked in Germany, and get a personalized estimate in seconds.
Whether you're just curious or planning to apply soon, the calculator gives you a clear, realistic picture of how much money you could get back.
Steps to Apply for a German Pension Refund
Getting your refund is not automatic. It requires a formal application with the German pension authority (DRV). The process has several important steps and requires specific documents, so it’s crucial to follow each step carefully to avoid delays.
The refund process is open to everyone eligible, and you can apply for it on your own, but it can be more complicated than it seems. Many people have trouble with the paperwork, strict rules for formatting documents, German-language communication, and long delays caused by small mistakes. Even minor errors, like using the wrong form or forgetting notarization, can lead to big delays or rejection.
That’s why many people choose to use professional help.
At Germany Pension Refund, our skilled team focuses on helping you get your pension money back from Germany without any delays. We have helped thousands of people worldwide get their refunds quickly and safely. We review your documents, talk to the authorities, and guide you through each step. This way, you can be sure everything is done right the first time.
Below, we show you the complete process. Whether you decide to do it on your own or work with us, this guide will help you understand the steps and what to expect at each stage.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Here’s what you typically need:
Completed Application Form V0901 (can be downloaded from the DRV website)
Copy of your passport or national ID
Deregistration certificate from Germany (Abmeldebescheinigung) – proves you no longer live in Germany
Proof of current residence outside the EU (e.g., utility bill, government-issued certificate)
Your German social security number (Versicherungsnummer)
Proof of employment in Germany – payslips, work contracts, or employer letters
Bank account details (including IBAN and SWIFT/BIC) for the refund transfer
Certified translations of any non-German documents
Important tips:
All documents should be clear, complete, and legible.
If your documents are in a language other than German, certified translations may be required.
Always keep copies of everything you submit.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Once your documents are in order, you can submit your application.
By Mail
Send your completed application and documents to: Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund, 10704, Berlin, Germany
Make sure to use secure, trackable mail (DHL, FedEx, etc.) to prevent loss in transit.
In-Person
If you are visiting Germany, you can submit your application and receive support at a local DRV office.
After you submit, the DRV will send you a confirmation letter. They might ask for more information or details. This can happen if you're missing documents or if the ones you sent are not clear. Always answer these requests quickly to keep your application moving.
Step 3: Obtain Confirmation and Track Your Refund
Once your application is processed and approved:
You will receive a formal decision letter from the DRV stating the refund amount.
The pension refund will be transferred to your designated bank account (usually in one lump sum).
If you experience delays, you can follow up using your reference number by contacting DRV via email, phone, or post.
If your application is rejected, you have the legal right to file an appeal (Widerspruch) within one month of receiving the decision. Appeals must be submitted in writing by mail or in person.
How Long Does It Take to Get a German Pension Refund?
The time it takes to get your refund depends on a few things: where you live, if your documents are filled out, and how busy the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) is.
Typical timelines:
Standard cases: around 6 months
Delays of up to 9 months can happen if documents are missing, translations are needed, or identity verification is required.
We understand waiting for your refund can be frustrating, so we made this process faster. Instead of the usual 6 months or more to file a claim on your own, we can get most refunds done in less than 8 weeks. We work with trusted law firms that deal directly with the German pension office to avoid delays and make the process quick and smooth.
What Happens If You Forget to Claim Your Pension Refund?
Good news — your contributions are not lost. If you forget to apply for your pension refund:
Your contributions remain safely stored in the German pension system.
If you ever return to Germany or work in the EU/EEA, your old contributions can be combined with new ones toward a future pension.
If you never return, and you’re a non-EU citizen, you may still be eligible for a refund even years later, as long as:
You left the EU/UK
At least 24 months have passed since your last pension payment
You are not working in another EU/UK country
There is no official deadline to claim your pension refund — but the sooner you apply, the sooner you can receive your money.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply for a refund?
You can apply for a pension refund 24 months after your last contribution to the German public pension system — as long as you are no longer residing in Germany or the EU/UK and are not working in those areas.
Can I apply from outside Germany?
Yes! You do not need to be in Germany to apply. Many applicants successfully submit their documentation from abroad by mail or through a legal representative.
Make sure to include proof of your current non-EU/UK residence and a valid bank account where the refund can be transferred.
How will I receive my refund?
Refunds are paid as a one-time lump sum to your designated bank account. You must provide accurate IBAN and SWIFT/BIC codes to ensure the payment goes through. Make sure your name matches the name on the account.
Some banks may deduct minor international transaction fees, and currency conversion rates may affect the exact amount received in local currency.
