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FAQ's
The questions/answers below refer to German pension matters only.
For any other questions concerning pensions, compensations, cases of inheritance, property sales and similar matters from Germany and other European countries, please contact us directly by completing the enquiry form. We will be gladly answering your inquiry to the best of our knowledge.
Q Do I have to be/have been a German Citizen to be eligible for a pension from Germany?
A NO!
Q How long do I have to have worked in Germany to
become eligible for a pension?
A You must have worked for a certain amount of time within the current borders of Germany. The minimum qualifying period depends on the applicable pension agreement between Germany and your country of residence.
Q Do I have to live in Germany and/or have a bank account in Germany to receive a German pension?
A No, this is not necessary! If a German pension is awarded to you, it can be paid directly into your own bank account or you can elect to have a monthly cheque sent to your address.
Q I do not have any papers/proof available concerning my (my late spouse’s) work in Germany. Can I still file for a German pension?
A Yes! If you do not have any papers to prove your eligibility, we will carry out the necessary searches in German archives (for former forced labourers this includes an application to the International Tracing Service for a working history).
Q I was a forced labourer during WWII. Will my working periods during the war be taken into account for the German pension (even if I was not paid any wages)?
A Yes, the German pension is based on working periods within the current borders of Germany both during and/or after the war! The minimum qualifying period required depends on the current pension agreement between Germany and your country of residence!
Q I have children born in Germany. Do I receive special benefits for the rearing of my children?
A For each child born in Germany the mother may receive up to 12 months credit towards the pension (in some cases these may be allocated to the husband/widower). These credits – if they satisfy the minimum requirements – can form the basis for a German pension, even if the mother did not work in Germany.
Q I already receive a pension from my country of residence? Can I also apply for a pension from Germany?
A The German pension can in most cases be paid in addition to a pension from your country of residence.
Q What happens if I die?
A If you are legally married at the time of your death, your surviving spouse can claim your entitlements through a survivors pension at a reduced rate. It would be paid until your spouse’s death or until he/she remarries.
Q My late spouse worked in Germany. Can I claim his/her entitlements (even if he/she was not receiving a German pension)?
A Provided your late spouse fulfils the minimum requirements for a German pension and you were legally married at the time of your spouse’s death, you can claim his/her entitlements through a survivor’s pension. Any survivors’ pension can be received in addition to your own German pension.
Q How long does the processing of a pension claim take?
A Depending on the circumstances and regulated proceedings the finalisation of a claim may take at least 12 months.
Q How much German pension will I get?
A As the German pension is based entirely on contributions paid into the German pension fund, the amount will depend on how long you (or your late spouse) worked in Germany and the amount of contributions paid into the pension fund by your former employer(s) and/or yourself.
Q Do I have to pay tax on my German pension?
A We suggest that you check with an accountant/tax adviser about any tax implications.
Q At what age can I receive a pension from Germany?
A Generally, you are entitled to a pension from Germany when you turn 65. However, under certain circumstances you may be entitled to a pension before you reach the age of 65.
Q I am not old enough to claim a pension yet. Can I find out about my entitlements?
A We can apply for a 'verification of account' through the relevant pension authority. Upon finalisation of proceedings the German pension authority issues a statement confirming the working periods it has recognised.