Deutsche Rente im Ausland — Eligibility, Payment and Deductions

Can I receive my German pension abroad?

Yes — Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) pays pensions in principle worldwide. Around 1.8 million people receive their German pension abroad. However, depending on the destination country, there are differences in the amount and deductions.

Requirement: 5 Years Minimum Insurance Period

Rentenanspruch is established after a waiting period of at least 5 years (60 months) with contribution periods in German pension insurance. This includes:

• Mandatory contributions from employment
• Voluntary contributions (also possible from abroad!)
• Child-rearing periods (3 years per child)
• Periods from social security agreements (e.g., Turkey, USA, Canada)

Tip: Even if you worked in Germany for less than 5 years — through social security agreements with over 20 countries, foreign insurance periods can be credited.

Worldwide Payment

In EU/EEA Countries and Switzerland

• Pension paid in full amount
• No reduction due to stay abroad
• Transfer to any bank account in SEPA area
• No transfer fees for SEPA transfers

In Countries with Social Security Agreements

Germany has agreements with over 20 countries outside the EU, including:
Turkey, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Morocco, Tunisia, Israel, India, China, Philippines

• Pension paid generally in full amount
• Insurance periods from both countries are combined

In Countries without Agreements

• Deductions may apply: Certain pension components (e.g., from child-rearing, unemployment) may not be paid abroad
• Affects among others: Ukraine, Russia, Vietnam, Georgia, Nigeria, Egypt
• Solution: Before moving, request a trial calculation from DRV

Deductions and Taxes

Health Insurance

• Mandatory insurance in German GKV: Contributions withheld directly from pension (~7.3% + supplementary contribution + nursing care insurance)
• In EU abroad: Possibly health insurance of country of residence, DRV pays subsidy
• Outside EU: German GKV not possible — private insurance required

Taxes

• Taxation: German pensions are taxable in Germany — even with residence abroad
• Double taxation agreements (DTA): Determines which country taxes — in many cases only the country of residence
• Neubrandenburg Tax Office (RiA): Responsible for all foreign pensioners, tax return required
• Tax-free allowance 2026: approx. 12,096 € — pensions below this remain tax-free

Lebensbescheinigung — Annual Requirement

Those living abroad must submit a Lebensbescheinigung to DRV once yearly — otherwise pension payments are stopped.

• Obtain form from DRV
• Certification by authority in country of residence (municipality, consulate, notary)
• Meet deadline — if missed, pension temporarily stopped

Contact DRV

• DRV Bund — Abteilung Auslandsrenten: Tel. +49 30 865-0
• Online Portal: deutsche-rentenversicherung.de
• Information and counseling centers abroad (via German embassies)
• Check insurance record: Free account clarification procedure — best before moving

Practical Tips

1. Keep your pension insurance number — You need it for life
2. Voluntary contributions: Also possible from abroad (from 96.72 €/month) to increase claims
3. Trial calculation: Request free from DRV before moving
4. Check social security agreements: Have insurance periods from your home country credited
5. Keep bank details current: Report changes to DRV immediately

As of: March 2026. All information without guarantee.