Question 1

Who is eligible for a German pension refund?

Accepted Answer

You are eligible if you are a non‑EU and non‑UK citizen, have not paid into German pension for at least 24 months (unless retired), and currently live outside EU/UK. For citizens of the USA,(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/usa) Australia,(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/australia) Canada,(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/canada) India,(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/india) Brazil,(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/brazil) the Philippines (https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/thephilippines)and select others, you must also have fewer than 60 monthly contributions.

Read more on our main refund page.(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/)

Question 2

How do I know if I worked less than 60 months?

Accepted Answer

Any calendar month with one day of paid pension contribution counts fully. Add all months you worked—including parental leave or unemployment credited periods—to see if it totals under 60.

Calculate your refund amount with our free refund calculator.(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/refund-calculator)

Question 3

What if I worked more than 60 months? Can I still claim a refund?

Accepted Answer

If you have at least 60 months of German pension contributions, you generally qualify for a German old-age pension. Most non-EU/UK citizens can choose a refund instead of a pension, unless they are citizens of the USA,(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/usa) Australia,(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/australia) Canada,(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/canada) India,(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/india) Brazil,(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/brazil) the Philippines,(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/thephilippines) or select other countries with a bilateral agreement, where a refund is not possible after 60 months.

See a full list of countries on our main refund page.(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/)

Question 4

Can dual citizens or EEA residents claim a refund?

Accepted Answer

Dual citizenship with the EU or UK disqualifies you, even if you never lived there. However, residing anywhere in the EEA but not holding EU/UK nationality is fine—as long as other eligibility criteria are met.

Question 5

Can UK citizens or residents get a German refund after Brexit?

Accepted Answer

No. All UK nationals worldwide, and anyone residing in the UK, must wait until German retirement age and cannot claim a refund.

Read more about Brexit.(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/post/brexit)

Question 6

How long does the refund process take?

Accepted Answer

With us: 8 weeks on average. Self‑filing: often takes 6 months or more, with risk of delays.

Question 7

What documents do I need to apply?

Accepted Answer

You’ll need your valid passport, German pension number (Versicherungsnummer), and—if available—deregistration certificate. If you lost it, we can help you deregister or request it in your name.

Question 8

Do I need a German bank account? Where will my refund be paid?

Accepted Answer

No German bank required. Refunds are routed via a secure German law‑firm escrow, then sent to your chosen international or local bank in any name you prefer.

Question 9

What costs are involved?

Accepted Answer

Our service is 100% success-based — you pay nothing upfront, and there is no minimum fee.
The fee is 9.75% of your refund, and it is capped at a maximum of €2,500, even for very large refunds.
This fee already includes:
 • all legal work
 • translations
 • escrow processing
 • VAT
 • administration and document handling
You only pay after your refund has been received in the German law firm’s escrow account.

See our pricing.(https://www.germanypensionrefund.com/pricing)

Question 10

Is the refund taxable?

Accepted Answer

No tax is deducted in Germany. Tax implications in your home country vary—please consult a local advisor.

Question 11

Can I return to Germany after claiming a refund?

Accepted Answer

Yes! If you start working again, your pension account reopens and contributions begin anew—claiming your current refund does not prevent future employment or visas.

Question 12

Can I claim a German disability pension?

Accepted Answer

If you're fully unable to work, you may qualify for a German disability pension (Erwerbsminderungsrente) if you contributed at least once in the last 5 years or if your disability stems from a work accident. If not, you’re still eligible for a refund.

Question 13

My spouse died—can I claim their refund or a widow’s pension?

Accepted Answer

You can claim their refund if they were eligible. But if they met the retirement pension threshold of 5 years, you may be eligible for a widow(er)’s pension.

German Pension Contribution Refunds: Frequently Asked Questions