German Pension Refund Calculator 2026

Did you work in Germany and have now left (or are planning to leave)? You might be entitled to a cash refund of your pension contributions worth thousands of Euros.

Eligibility Check

Find out if you qualify in 30 seconds

Did you leave money in Germany?

If you worked in Germany and left, the government might owe you tens of thousands of euros. Take our quick quiz to see if you are legally eligible for a full cash refund of your pension contributions.

Who can claim a refund?

Non-EU citizens leaving for good

If you are from a country outside the EU/EEA and move back home permanently, you can reclaim your pension contributions after a 24-month waiting period.

Contracting-state nationals (US, CA, AU, …)

Different rules apply if you are from a country with a bilateral social security agreement. Typically you need fewer than 60 contribution months to qualify.

Short-term expats

Contributed for 1-5 years before leaving? That is exactly the window where a refund can easily exceed €10 000. Do not leave it behind.

How to use this calculator

1. Enter gross salary + months

Your average gross salary during German employment, and the total number of months you contributed to the Rentenversicherung.

2. Pick your passport

Nationality drives eligibility: EU, contracting state (US/CA/AU/…), or rest of world. Different rules per group.

3. Read the estimated refund

The calculator shows your share (9.3 %) of contributions. Apply with the Deutsche Rentenversicherung 24 months after leaving the EU.

Oliver, Expats.de Founder

I have watched expats walk away from €15 000 refunds because nobody told them to wait 24 months and file a single form. The pension system will not contact you, you must contact it, or the money stays in Berlin.

How the Refund Works

In Germany, around 18.6% of your gross salary goes into the public pension scheme. You pay half (9.3%), and your employer pays the other half. If you leave Germany and the EU, you can often claim your share back in cash.

The Main Requirements

You must be a non-EU citizen (exceptions apply).
You must have lived outside the EU for at least 24 consecutive months.
You must have contributed for less than 60 months (if you are from a country with a social security agreement).

The 24-month rule is strict

The Deutsche Rentenversicherung accepts your application only 24 consecutive months after you leave the EU. Apply too early and the case is rejected; you have to re-apply after waiting. Mark your calendar 24 months out from your departure date.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Oliver

Founder of expats.de, former cooperative bank advisor (Bankfachwirt IHK) with 12 years of banking experience, and a §34d licensed insurance broker. Since 2014, Oliver has helped over 10,000 expats navigate the German financial system. Read Oliver's full story →

11 Years Market Leadership34d Licensed

Educational Notice & General Advice

This content is educational and reflects analysis based on our 11 years of market experience, our 200,000+ community insights, and current regulatory knowledge.

As a 34d-licensed insurance broker and experienced financial advisor, I provide this guidance in good faith. However, for personalized advice especially regarding insurance, mortgages, or tax-specific decisions—please consult with a qualified financial advisor or tax professional in your specific situation. Past expat experiences and historical market data do not guarantee identical results for your unique circumstances.