Rentenerstattung application (pension refund)

Overview

Use this when you are a non-EU national leaving Germany after less than five years of pension contributions. A refund of employee contributions may be possible after a two-year waiting period.

Timing to be aware of

When triggered

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

What you'll need

• Rentenversicherungsnummer
• Abmeldebestätigung
• foreign bank details

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?

Related events

• Rentenanspruch sichern (securing pension entitlement)
  High
  Before event
• Abmeldung (deregistration) filing
  Critical
  Deadline applies
• Kündigung of rental contract
  Critical
  Deadline applies
• Krankenversicherung cancellation
  Critical
  Deadline applies
• Finanzamt notification of departure
  Critical
  When triggered