If you contributed to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (Germany’s pension system), you may be entitled to a partial refund of those contributions. This opportunity is aimed especially at foreign nationals who have permanently left Germany and no longer have any connection to the German social security system.

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In this guide, we explain in detail the eligibility criteria, what can be refunded, how the process works, what documents are required, and the key points to consider before submitting your request.

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You worked in Germany, paid taxes, and contributed monthly to social insurance — just as required. But now you live outside Europe, and Germany is part of your past.

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What many people don’t know is that some of those contributions can be refunded — legally and safely. Yes, it’s possible to get part of your money back from the Deutsche Rentenversicherung.

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This is a real and safe opportunity — and many people miss out due to lack of information… or fear of bureaucracy.

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If that’s your case, you’re in the right place. Below, we explain who’s eligible, how it works, and why getting legal support might be the smartest move.

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🌍 Who can (or cannot) apply for a refund?

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Here’s a visual summary of who may qualify for a pension refund from the German system, based on your nationality and residence status:

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🇩🇪 German citizens

 

– ❌ Not eligible.

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🇪🇺 Citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, or the UK

– ❌ Not eligible for a refund. They remain tied to the system and may continue to make voluntary contributions until retirement age.

 

🌐 Citizens from countries with international social security agreements

– ✅ Eligible — if they:

• Contributed for less than 5 years,
• Have lived outside Germany and the EU/EEA/CH/UK for at least 24 months, and
• Are no longer allowed to contribute voluntarily.

• List of countries with International Social Security Agreements with Germany (as of July 2025):Albania, Australia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, India, Israel, Japan, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Morocco, Moldova, Montenegro, Philippines, Serbia, South Korea, Tunisia, Turkey, Uruguay, United States.

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🌍 Citizens from countries without such agreements

– ✅ High likelihood of eligibility — if they:

• Contributed for less than 5 years,
• Have been outside Germany and the EU/EEA/CH/UK for at least 24 months, and
• Can no longer contribute voluntarily to the German system.

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🤝 How Our Legal Team Can Help

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Based in Germany, we offer full legal support for foreign nationals who want to recover their pension contributions after leaving the country.

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🔒 No risk, no upfront costs

We work on a success-fee basis: you only pay if you receive your refund. Everything is processed through a German law firm’s escrow account — secure and transparent.

 

🎯 Want to know if you’re eligible for a refund?

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Contact our team. We’ll review your case individually, check your eligibility, and handle the entire process for you — safely, clearly, and with full legal support.

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📩 Reach out today and find out if you’re entitled to money that’s still waiting for you in Germany!

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