If you’ve worked in Germany for a while and are planning to leave the country permanently, you might be wondering: Can I get back the money I paid into the German social security system?
It’s a common question among international workers, students, and expats. While most contributions are non-refundable, there are exceptions — especially for pension contributions. This article explains when a refund is possible, who qualifies, and how to apply.
What Is Included in Social Security Contributions in Germany?
In Germany, social security is made up of five main parts:
- Pension insurance (Rentenversicherung)
- Unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosenversicherung)
- Health insurance (Krankenversicherung)
- Long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung)
- Accident insurance (Unfallversicherung)
As an employee, you automatically contribute a significant part of your income to this system — typically over 20% of your gross salary.
However, when it comes to refunds, the only part that may be refundable is the statutory pension insurance.
Can You Get a Refund When Leaving Germany?
Yes — but only under very specific conditions, and only for pension insurance.
There are no refunds for health, unemployment, or nursing care contributions. These are considered services you had access to while in Germany.
Who Is Eligible for a Pension Refund?
You may qualify for a refund of your pension contributions if:
- You are a non-EU/EEA national
- You have contributed to the German pension system for less than 60 months (5 years)
- You have left Germany permanently and do not live in the EU
- At least 24 months have passed since your last contribution
If these conditions are met, you can apply for a refund of the employee portion of your pension contributions.
Who Is Not Eligible?
You are not eligible for a refund if:
- You are a citizen of the EU/EEA
- Your home country has a social security agreement with Germany (e.g., USA, Canada, India, Brazil, Australia)
- You have contributed for 5 years or more — in this case, you are entitled to a German pension later in life
- You are moving to another EU country or plan to return to Germany in the future
In such cases, your contributions are not lost — you will be able to claim a pension when you reach retirement age.
How to Apply for a Pension Refund
If you are eligible, you can apply through the Deutsche Rentenversicherung.
Required documents usually include:
- Your passport
- A copy of your Abmeldebestätigung (deregistration certificate from Germany)
- Proof of your last employment or contribution
- Your foreign bank account details
- Completed form V0900 (Application for Refund of Contributions)
Applications can be submitted by post or in some cases online.
When Will You Be Paid?
Refunds are processed after 24 months from the last contribution date. It’s important to be patient — processing may take several weeks or months.
Key points:
- You will only receive the employee’s portion of the contribution (not the employer’s)
- The refund will be sent to your non-EU bank account
- The amount may be taxable in your home country
Alternatives to a Refund
If you do not meet the refund requirements or if you prefer long-term benefits, you can:
- Leave your contributions in Germany and claim a pension later
- Use international agreements to combine contribution periods (e.g., if you worked in both Germany and the U.S.)
- Keep your German pension rights even if you move back years later
Important: Once you take a refund, you lose all rights to future German pension benefits.
Tips & Resources
- Check agreements: Find out if your country has a bilateral agreement with Germany on social security
- Get advice: Contact Deutsche Rentenversicherung directly for individual support
- Talk to a tax advisor: Some refunds may be taxed in your home country
- Official website: www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de
Conclusion
Getting a refund of your pension contributions is possible — but only under very specific conditions, mainly for non-EU citizens who worked in Germany for less than 5 years. It’s important to weigh the short-term refund against the long-term pension rights you may be giving up.
If you’re unsure about your situation or need help navigating the bureaucracy, Onboard Germany is here to support you — from your first job to your final step out of the country.