For people from Taiwan who have worked in Germany, finding out how to get a Pension Refund 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 Taiwan 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 Taiwan
As a citizen of Taiwan 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.
If you leave Germany, what happens to these contributions? Can they be recovered?
{Due to the lack of a bilateral social security agreement between Taiwan 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 Taiwan and Germany.
Knowing how to apply for a Pension Refund is important when planning your life after Germany. As a citizen of Taiwan, you may be entitled to a Pension Refund 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 Pension Refund for the residents of Taiwan
As a citizen of Taiwan, 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 Taiwan. 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
It can be a long and complex process, often taking from several months to more than half a year, to get a refund from the German pension system. For a quicker and more efficient approach, you should consider the streamlined services offered by Fundsback. With expert guidance every step of the way, they are committed to improving your refund experience.
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.
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 Taiwan 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 handle the intricacies of the German pension system with ease, confidently secure your refund, and sidestep the common obstacles often faced in the process.
