Partenariat Cabinet d'avocats
🇨🇦 German Pension Refund for Canadian Citizens
If you’re a Canadian citizen who previously worked in Germany and contributed to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, you may be eligible for a pension refund. We help you reclaim your contributions — fast, securely, and with no upfront cost. Our team is based in Berlin and offers full support in English.
✅ Average refund: €14,800
✅ Processing time: 8–10 weeks
✅ No German bank account required
✅ Full legal support and digital process
✅ Eligibility for Canadians
You may qualify for a refund if:
- You are a Canadian citizen
- You worked in Germany for less than 60 months
- At least 24 months have passed since your last pension contribution
- You currently live outside the EU
- You are not receiving a German pension
Canada and Germany have a Social Security Agreement, but it does not prevent you from receiving a refund if you are not entitled to a pension. If you’re unsure, use our free eligibility check.
💸 What Will You Receive?
Most Canadian applicants receive an average refund of €14,800, including:
- ✔️ 100% of mandatory pension contributions
- ✔️ 50% of voluntary contributions
In 2025, Germany’s pension contributions are calculated at 9.3% of gross income up to a cap of €8,050/month. Income above this cap isn’t subject to contributions and doesn’t count toward the refund.
🕒 How Long Does It Take?
- ✅ With us: 8–10 weeks on average
- ❌ On your own: 6+ months with a high chance of delays
Our legal partners handle everything:
- Communication with DRV
- Legal paperwork and translations
- Escrow payouts
- Troubleshooting delays or rejections
🏦 Do I Need a German Bank Account?
No. We pay your refund into a secure escrow account held by a licensed German law firm. The funds are then transferred to any account worldwide — including Canada, or even to a trusted third party.
✈️ Can I Return to Germany After Receiving a Refund?
Yes. Your refund is for past contributions only. If you return to Germany for work, a new pension account will begin. Your refund does not impact future visas, jobs, or benefits.
📄 Required Documents
- Canadian passport
- German pension insurance number (Versicherungsnummer)
- Deregistration certificate (Abmeldebescheinigung) if available
💰 What Does It Cost?
We operate on a no-risk model. Our 9.75% success-based fee covers:
- ✅ All legal handling and filings
- ✅ Translations and admin
- ✅ Full English support
- ✅ VAT and escrow transfer
You pay only after the refund is approved and sent to your account.
👥 Canadian Client Story
"I didn’t think it would work, but I received over €15,000 back! The team handled everything. Highly recommended for Canadians who worked in Germany."
— Emily R., Toronto
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I’m already back in Canada?
Yes. You must be living outside the EU to apply.
Will the refund be taxed in Canada?
The refund isn’t taxed in Germany. For Canadian tax treatment, consult a local accountant.
What if I had gaps in employment or worked freelance?
Partial months still count. Voluntary contributions may be partially refundable.
How do I know if I contributed for more than 60 months?
Each calendar month with at least one workday usually counts. Unemployment and parenting periods may also count.
What if I plan to return to Germany later?
No problem. Your future employment starts a new pension record.
✉️ Still Have Questions?
Use our free calculator or reach out to our team for help.
Latest Reviews
OCT/04/2025
Handled professionally from start to finish
I am very satisfied with the service provided by Johannes Kühn at Germany Pension Refund. The process was handled professionally from start to finish, with clear communication and monthly follow-ups. Everything went smoothly, and I received my payment within three months. Highly recommend their efficient and reliable service!
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Bani H
SEP/24/2025
I highly recommend
Absolutely wonderful experience working with Julia! She is professional, very knowledgeable, and handled everything with so much patience. I highly recommend her services!!
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SEP/19/2025
Amazing support, despite my complex case
Johannes and team provided amazing support, despite my complex case. They were on top of things and provided the answers I needed. They kept me up to date on the process and were very transparent. Thank you very much again for the support!
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AUG/12/2025
Got my refund quickly, highly recommend
I had a very smooth and professional experience with Johannes! Everything was super simple to follow, I especially appreciated that translations were given directly in the email on documents I needed to sign. I got my refund back quickly and without any issues. Would highly recommend for anyone who is applying to get the pension refund from overseas. Thank you!
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Petar Markovic
JUN/27/2025
Trustworthy and reliable service provider
Christian was very professional and efficient.
And also a trustworthy and reliable service provider.
I would recommend them to anyone who previously worked in Germany and is not entitled to a pension.
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Maryam Berijanian
DEC/14/2024
I didn't have to worry about anything
I am happy with my choice. They provided fast and smooth service at a reasonable price, which was lower than their competitors. I can only imagine how much of a nightmare it would have been to handle everything myself, but with their service, I didn’t have to worry about anything. They were very punctual, well-organized, and made everything clear.
BRAAAVO!!
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OCT/30/2024
Smooth and kept me updated
They helped me get back my pension refund. The process was smooth and they kept me updated me all through the way. I’ll always recommend their services to anyone seeking to claim their pension benefits after leaving Germany. Thanks for the good work!
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Sarah Zou
OCT/28/2024
Received the funds back in 2 months
Couldn't have been easier. Filled in a few forms, and that was it. Christian was so helpful and I received the funds back in 2 months. 100% recommend!
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Daniel Hayter
OCT/18/2024
Very quick and helpful
Christian helped me get a refund back for the Germany Pension payments I made. He was very quick to respond and very helpful throughout.
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Helping Canadians reclaim German pension refunds since 2015.