Finding out how to get a Pension Refund is crucial for people from Serbia who have worked in Germany. Your contributions to the German pension system are an important part of your social security. However, the process of claiming these funds and understanding the specific requirements for citizens of Serbia can seem complicated.
This guide is designed to make things easier for you. If you’re thinking about applying for a Pension Refund, 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.
German Pension Refund Eligibility for nationals of Serbia
As a citizen of Serbia working in Germany, you will pay around 9% of your taxable income each month into the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German Pension Insurance), the official German pension insurance scheme. This is a joint contribution to the social security system and is matched by your employer.
What happens to these contributions if you leave Germany? Can you get them back?
{Due to the lack of a bilateral social security agreement between Serbia 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 Serbia and Germany.
When planning your life after Germany, it is important to know how to apply for a Pension Refund. As a citizen of Serbia, you may qualify for a Pension Refund.
Pension Refund Eligibility: 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.
You typically won’t qualify for a refund of your German pension contributions if:
a) You are eligible for, or already receiving, pension benefits from Germany.
b) You continue to make mandatory pension contributions or are covered by compulsory insurance in Germany.
c) You have the option to make voluntary contributions to the German pension scheme.
In short: The eligibility for Pension Refund for residents of Serbia
As a citizen of Serbia, 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.
Agreements on social security: Residence in the EU/UK
There is no bilateral social security agreement to facilitate the transfer of social security benefits between Germany and Serbia. Therefore, your ability to make voluntary contributions to the German pension system is dependent on your place of residence.
{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.
As a result, living in the EU/UK means you are not eligible for a German pension refund because you qualify for a German pension.
On the other hand, if you live outside the EU or UK and do not meet the pension eligibility criteria, you are likely eligible for a pension refund 24 months after your 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 provides you with important tools such as a free eligibility check and an easy-to-use refund calculator. It is designed to quickly check your eligibility and estimate your refund. The aim of the refund calculator is to provide a transparent and straightforward way to check your pension insurance record with the German pension fund and to start the refund process efficiently.
Optimise 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 Serbia 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.
