Finding out how to get a Pension reimbursement is crucial for people from Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan can seem complicated.
This guide is designed to make things easier for you. If you’re thinking about applying for a Pension reimbursement, 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 Afghanistan
As a citizen of Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan 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 Afghanistan and Germany.
When planning your life after Germany, it is important to know how to apply for a Pension reimbursement. As a citizen of Afghanistan, you may qualify for a Pension reimbursement.
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 making voluntary contributions to the German pension system (freiwillige Versicherung) from your new place of residence.
and
b) At least 24 months have passed since your last payment into Germany’s statutory pension scheme.
The ability to make voluntary insurance payments (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 reimbursement for residents of Afghanistan
If you live outside the EU or the UK and it has been at least 24 months since you last contributed to your national pension, you may be able to get your national pension contributions back.
Social Security Agreements: Residency in the EU/UK
There is no bilateral social security agreement to facilitate the transfer of social security benefits between Germany and Afghanistan. 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.
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.
Start Your German Pension Refund with our free Eligibility Check
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 simplifies the process of boosting your Social Security benefits in Germany. Our approach is straightforward and efficient, especially designed for nationals of Afghanistan seeking refunds from the German pension system. Navigating this complex process can be challenging, but our expert team is here to provide clear guidance and support, 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.
