For people from Montenegro who have worked in Germany, finding out how to get a Payout of German Pension Contributions is key. While your contributions to the German pension system are an important part of your social security, the process of claiming these funds and understanding the specific requirements for citizens of Montenegro can seem complicated.
This guide is designed to make things easier for you. If you’re thinking about applying for a Payout of German Pension Contributions, we want to provide you with information that is clear and practical. Our aim is to help you make informed decisions about your financial future after your time in Germany.
Entitlement to a German pension refund for nationals of Montenegro
As a citizen of Montenegro working in Germany, you pay around 9% of your monthly taxable income into Deutsche Rentenversicherung, the official German pension insurance scheme. This amount is matched by your employer, making it a joint contribution to the social security system.
If you leave Germany, what happens to these contributions? Can they be recovered?
{Due to the lack of a bilateral social security agreement between Montenegro and Germany, you cannot voluntarily contribute to the German pension system unless you are resident in the EU/UK.|If you are not resident in the EU/UK, you cannot voluntarily contribute to the German pension system due to the lack of a bilateral social security agreement between Montenegro and Germany.
Knowing how to apply for a Payout of German Pension Contributions is important when planning your life after Germany. As a citizen of Montenegro, you may be entitled to a Payout of German Pension Contributions under certain conditions.
Eligibility for pension refund: General criteria
When you leave Germany, you can usually get a refund of your German pension contributions if:
(a) you cannot continue to make voluntary contributions to the German pension insurance scheme (freiwillige Versicherung) from your new place of residence
and
b) your last contribution to the German statutory pension scheme is at least 24 months old.
The possibility of making voluntary contributions (a) depends on the social security agreement between Germany and your home country.
Generally speaking, you won’t qualify to get your German Pension Contributions refunded if
a) You are entitled to or are already receiving a German pension.
b) You continue to make compulsory pension contributions or are compulsorily insured in Germany.
c) You have the option of making contributions to the German pension scheme on a voluntary basis.
In a nutshell: The eligibility for Payout of German Pension Contributions for the residents of Montenegro
As a citizen of Montenegro, you are generally eligible for a refund of your German pension contributions if you reside outside the EU/UK and at least 24 months have passed since your last pension contribution in Germany.
Social Security Agreements: Residency in the EU/UK
Germany and Montenegro do not have a bilateral social security agreement that facilitates the transfer of social security benefits between the two nations. Therefore, your ability to make voluntary contributions to the German Pension system is contingent on where you live.
{If you reside within the EU or the UK, you are allowed to continue making contributions to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung to qualify for a German pension (freiwillige Versicherung). Information about all social security agreements between EU member states is available online here. | If you live in the EU or the UK, you can continue to make contributions to the German pension insurance scheme (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) in order to qualify for a German pension (freiwillige Versicherung). Information on all social security agreements between EU member states is available online here.
Therefore, living in the EU or UK means that you are not entitled to a German pension refund because you are entitled to a German pension.
However, if you live outside the EU or the UK and don’t qualify for a pension, you’re likely to be able to claim a refund 24 months after you made the last contribution.
Use our free eligibility check to start your German Pension Refund
Getting a refund from the German pension system can be a lengthy and complex process, often taking anywhere from several months to over half a year. For a faster and more efficient approach, consider Fundsback’s streamlined services. We are committed to enhancing your refund experience with expert guidance every step of the way.
Fundsback also offers important tools like a free eligibility check and an easy-to-use refund calculator. These are designed to help you quickly determine if you qualify for a refund and to estimate how much you could get back. Our refund calculator aims to provide a transparent and straightforward way to review your pension insurance records with the German pension fund and efficiently get started with the refund process.
Streamline your German Pension Refund with Fundsback
Fundsback makes the process of increasing your social security benefits in Germany as simple as possible. Designed specifically for nationals of Montenegro seeking refunds from the German pension system, our approach is straightforward and efficient. It can feel daunting to navigate this complex process, but our team of experts are here to provide clear guidance and assistance, ensuring you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
At Fundsback, we’re committed to providing you with a personalised consultation that will assess your eligibility for a refund and aim to maximise your payout.
By choosing Fundsback, you can easily navigate the intricacies of the German pension system, confidently secure your refund, and avoid the common obstacles often encountered in the process.
