The German pension refund: thousands of euros most leavers abandon
Non-EU citizens can reclaim employee pension contributions (9.3% of every salary) 24 months after leaving Germany: eligibility by nationality, process, timelines.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
Can you get German pension contributions back when leaving?
Non-EU citizens from countries WITHOUT a totalization agreement can reclaim their employee pension contributions (9.3% of every gross salary) 24 months after leaving Germany, if they contributed fewer than 60 months. Indians, Chinese, and many other nationals qualify ⚠️ per-country check; US and agreement-country citizens generally keep future pension rights instead.
What this guide covers
The money at stake
Three years at €60,000 gross = ~€16,700 of YOUR contributions (employer share stays). This is the single largest forgotten asset of short-stay expats - the DRV does not chase you to pay it back.
Who qualifies (the three tests)
- Nationality/agreement test: No refund for EU/EEA citizens or nationals of totalization-agreement states where the agreement blocks it - the agreement usually means your German months COUNT toward home pensions instead (sometimes worth more than the refund!). India (agreement exists but refund-permitting!), China, Brazil-nuances... ⚠️ BUILD: full country table against current DRV list - this table IS the SEO asset
- Time test: 24 months have passed since leaving Germany (and the EU), no German contributions since
- Contribution test: fewer than 60 months contributed (60+ = vested = pension at retirement age instead, no refund possible)
The process
Form V0901 to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung + proof of contributions (your yearly Renteninformation/employer certificates), passport, Abmeldung proof, foreign bank details). Processing 3-6 months. DIY is entirely possible; refund services, skippable for organized filers. The refund itself is German-tax-free; home-country taxation is yours to check.
Before you leave: the 10-minute preparation
Download your Versicherungsverlauf from the DRV portal, keep every payslip's pension line, note your Sozialversicherungsnummer, and calendar the 24-month date. The leaving-Germany guide bundles this with the other exit rituals.
Frequently asked questions
I might come back - refund anyway?
Refunded months are GONE forever. Returners who'll cross 60 total months should usually wait.
60+ months - so nothing?
You're vested: a real German pension at 67 paid worldwide, plus agreement-country coordination. Small months still count.
Employer contributions too?
No - only your 9.3% employee share refunds.
Voluntary contributions/freelancer payments?
Refundable under the same tests.
Does claiming affect future German visas?
No - it's a legal entitlement, not a benefit.
Related guides
Keep going: these guides continue where this one ends.
Leaving Germany: the complete exit checklist
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