If you plan to return to your home country after working in Germany, you can retain your pension entitlements. Germany has arrangements to ensure your pension rights are preserved, whether you move to an EU country or a non-EU nation with a social security agreement.

1. For EU/EEA/Swiss Countries
If you move to a country within the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you will retain your German pension rights, with contributions counting toward your pension benefits in your new country. If you’ve worked in multiple EU/EEA countries, you’ll receive pensions from each, including Germany, based on your contributions. The EU’s coordinated system ensures that pension contributions in Germany and other EU/EEA countries are considered for your entitlements.

2. For Countries with Social Security Agreements
Germany has social security agreements with several non-EU countries, including Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Turkey, and the United States (USA). These agreements allow you to combine your German pension entitlements with the pension system in your home country, ensuring you don’t lose benefits. If you’ve worked in Germany and are moving to one of these countries, you can apply to your home country’s pension fund, which will forward your request to the German fund.

For Non-Agreement Countries
If you’re returning to a country without a social security agreement with Germany, you can retain your German pension rights, but the process may be complex, requiring specific conditions or waiting periods. It’s advisable to contact the German embassy or consulate for assistance. German retirement age regulations will apply. If you request a refund of your pension contributions after leaving Germany, you must have been away for at least 24 months, and you can only receive half of your contributions (excluding the employer’s share), ending your relationship with the German pension system and forfeiting future entitlements. For details, visit: www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de.

Whether you plan to move within the EU, to a country with a social security agreement, or to a non-agreement country, you can continue to benefit from your German pension rights. By understanding the different options available and contacting the appropriate authorities, you can ensure that your pension is handled smoothly after you leave Germany.