Check pension refund eligibility (non-EU, after departure)

Overview

Use this when you are a non-EU national who left Germany and may claim a pension refund. Application is often possible 24 months after departure if you contributed less than 60 months.

Timing to be aware of

24 months after departure

Reference only — your timing may differ. Confirm with the relevant office.

What you'll need

• nationality
• Departure date

Common questions

Questions people often look up at this stage. Answers are general — confirm with the relevant office or a qualified professional.

• I already left Germany but forgot to do my Abmeldung. Is this a problem?
• I'm moving. Will the post office automatically forward my mail?
• I don't understand the legal German in my contract; what should I look out for?

Related events

• Confirm final filing schedule before departure
  High
  90 days before departure
• Check non-resident taxation risk after departure
  High
  On departure
• Rentenübertragung (pension transfer) from abroad
  High
  When triggered
• Automatic permit lapse warning threshold
  Critical
  150 days after departure
• Automatic permit lapse (temporary permits)
  Critical
  180 days after departure