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German Pension Refund Eligibility for Turkish Citizens
If you’re a Turkish citizen who contributed to the German pension insurance system during your time in Germany, you might have the right to reclaim your contributions. Whether you were employed or self-employed, German law allows non-EU nationals to apply for a refund under certain conditions.
Germany - Turkey | German Pension Refund | All Rights Reserved
Who Can Claim a German Pension Refund as a Turkish Citizen?
Thanks to the Social Security Agreement between Germany and Turkey, Turkish nationals who worked in Germany can request a refund of their pension contributions.
If you are residing in Turkey:
You must wait 24 months after your last contribution to the German pension system and also 24 months must have passed after your last contribution to the Turkish pension system before applying for a refund. The two countries’ pension systems exchange data, so both waiting periods must be fulfilled.
In most cases, this means Turkish residents can only apply two years after retiring in Turkey, which is earlier than the German retirement age.
If you live outside Turkey and the EU, this additional Turkish waiting period does not apply. You only need to meet the 24-month waiting period after your last German contribution.
See if You Qualify — No Cost, No Commitment
We know that foreign pension rules are complicated, especially if many years have passed since you worked in Germany.
That’s why we provide a completely free eligibility check. Unlike other services that may charge just to tell you whether you qualify, we check your case for free.
If you are eligible, we will explain the process clearly and transparently, so you know exactly what to expect.
Our service is exclusively available for non-EU passport holders.
Office building Rentenversicherung, Berlin | The German statutory pension insurance | All Rights Reserved
Can I Return to Europe After Applying for a Pension Refund?
Yes, absolutely! Filing a pension refund application doesn’t prevent you from moving back to Europe later. You can even re-enter the EU and begin working again immediately after submitting your claim.
Even if you return to Germany or any EU country before your refund is processed, your claim remains active and valid. What matters is your status at the time of applying..
How Much Money Will I Get?
The average German pension refund we secure for Turkish claimants is about €18,500, but your final amount depends on your exact situation.
Refundable amounts typically include:
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100% of mandatory contributions deducted by your employer
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50% of voluntary contributions (like those made while freelancing)
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Any legal adjustments, like pension splitting due to divorce
Since 2018, German employee pension contributions have been set at 9.3% of gross income, up to the maximum contribution limit (Beitragsbemessungsgrenze), which is €8,050 monthly in 2025. Earnings above this cap are not subject to contribution deduction.
What Does It Cost to Use Your Service?
We operate on a success-only basis, meaning:
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No upfront fees
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No hidden costs
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No charge unless you receive a refund
Our service fee is 9.75% of the total refunded amount. This includes VAT, all legal fees, and full processing by licensed German attorneys.
You pay us only after you receive your refund—making the process risk-free for you.
Do I Need a German Bank Account?
No German account? No problem.
Once your pension refund is approved, the funds are sent to a secure escrow account managed by a licensed German law firm. From there, the money is transferred directly to your preferred bank account—in Turkey, Europe, or anywhere worldwide. You can even choose a recipient different from yourself if needed.
This method minimizes international banking fees and ensures faster processing.
How Long Does the Process Take for Turkish Citizens?
We know that nobody likes to wait for their money.
With our efficient processing system, Turkish applicants typically receive their pension refunds within 8 weeks from the time the application is submitted.
Self-filed applications often take over six months and are more likely to encounter delays. Thanks to our direct communication with German pension offices and deep experience handling international refunds, we make the process as fast and smooth as possible.
Start Your German Pension Refund Today
With a proven track record of helping Turkish citizens reclaim their German pension contributions, we make the process simple, fast, and stress-free.
Start your claim today—most applicants complete the first step in just a few minutes!
