As a citizen of Japan who has experienced working in Germany, it’s important to get to know the criteria for getting a pension refunded. Your contributions to the German pension system are an important part of the country’s Social Security system. However, navigating the process of reclaiming these contributions when you leave Germany, especially understanding the requirements for nationals of Japan, can seem daunting.
This article delves into the crucial details concerning eligibility for a Pension payment restitution for citizens of Japan.
This guide aims to provide clear insights and guidance to help you make informed decisions about your financial future after leaving Germany, whether you’re considering claiming a refund of your German pension or want to better understand the social security arrangements between Germany and Japan.
German Pension Refund Eligibility for Citizens of Japan
As an expat living and working in Germany, you will contribute approximately 9% of your monthly taxable income to Deutsche Rentenversicherung, the official pension scheme in Germany. It’s important to understand that this contribution is a shared responsibility, with your employer matching your payments into the social security system.
So, what becomes of these contributions after your employment in Germany ends, and you leave the country? Can they be reclaimed?
The Social Security Code (§210 SGB VI) and the Social Security Agreement between Germany and Japan set out the guidelines for claiming a refund of your pension contributions from the German pension insurance scheme. This agreement, which sets out the eligibility criteria and the procedure for applying for a refund of your contributions, is tailored to the needs of nationals of Japan.
Understanding the procedure for claiming a refund of your German pension contributions is key as you plan for your future post-Germany. As a citizen of Japan, you may be eligible for a refund, provided you fulfill certain conditions.| When planning your future after leaving Germany, it is important to understand the procedure for claiming a refund of your German pension contributions. As a citizen of Japan, you may be entitled to a refund if you meet certain conditions.}
Pension Refund Eligibility: General Criteria
When you leave Germany, you are generally entitled to a refund of your German pension contributions if
a) you are not entitled to make voluntary contributions to the German pension scheme (freiwillige Versicherung) from your new place of residence.
and
b) at least 24 months have elapsed since your last contribution to the German statutory pension scheme.
The possibility of voluntary insurance (a) depends on the social security agreement between Germany and your home country.
Generally speaking, you are not entitled to get your German Pension Contributions refunded if
a) You are entitled to or are already receiving a German pension.
b) You can make statutory pension contributions or are covered by compulsory insurance in Germany.
c) You have the option of making voluntary contributions to the German pension scheme (voluntary insurance).
In short: The eligibility for German Pension Refund for Citizens of Japan
As a national of Japan, you are eligible for a refund of your German pension contributions only if your employment in Germany lasted less than 5 years (meaning you have made pension contributions in Germany for no more than 59 months) and at least 24 months have elapsed since your most recent pension contribution in Germany.
Intergovernmental Social Security Agreements
The exchange of social security benefits between the two countries is governed by bilateral agreements between Germany and Japan.
In particular, these agreements state that as a citizen of Japan who is resident for tax purposes in Germany, you are entitled to a German old-age pension after a contribution period of 60 months.
Regarding voluntary contributions to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, the Social Security Agreement specifies that if you reside in the EU or the UK, you are given the choice to continue making contributions towards qualifying for a statutory pension in Germany.
Furthermore, if you have already made contributions for at least 60 months, you are allowed to continue contributing to the German pension system from anywhere in the world.
This means that if you live in the EU/UK, or if you have paid into the German pension system for at least 60 months, you will not be eligible for a Pension payment restitution. This is because you are entitled to a German pension and the agreement allows you to make voluntary contributions even if you do not benefit directly from them.
If you do not meet the pension eligibility criteria and live outside the EU or UK, you may be eligible for a pension refund 24 months after your last contribution.
Use our free eligibility check to claim your Pension payment restitution
When navigating the terrain of German pension refunds, it becomes clear that processing times can vary considerably. They can often stretch from several months to more than six months. For those seeking a quicker process, specialized services offer an accelerated route.
In addition, Pension payment restitution is made easy through our online tool in the form of a free eligibility check. These tools are designed to seamlessly assess your eligibility for a Pension payment restitution and estimate the potential refund amount. The pension check ensures a transparent and straightforward process for checking your pension insurance records with the German Pension Fund and initiating a Pension payment restitution.
