Leaving Germany
Leaving Germany checklist: Abmeldung, cancelling contracts, health insurance, the final tax return and your pension refund, explained for expats.
What belongs on a leaving Germany checklist?
The most important item is the Abmeldung at the Bürgeramt: the Abmeldebestätigung you receive there is the proof your contract partners, your Krankenkasse and the Beitragsservice ask for. The checklist also covers three months' notice on your flat in a signed letter, cancelling contracts such as internet, phone and gym with that certificate as proof, informing your health insurance, ending the Rundfunkbeitrag, keeping one German bank account open until your deposit and final payments have arrived, and the tax return for your year of departure. Non-EU citizens who leave the EU may also be able to reclaim their own pension contributions after a 24-month waiting period.
Don't Leave Money or Debt Behind
Leaving Germany quietly can result in thousands of Euros in insurance debt and fines. Our trusted partner services handle the legal paperwork and reclaim the pension money you are owed.