Whether as a surf instructor in the Portuguese Algarve or as a machine operator in the USA: Germans can earn their pension rights not only in their home country.
Berlin – Working where others go on holiday: Anyone who lives and works in the course of their professional life not only in Germany, but also in other European countries, should not suffer any disadvantages in terms of social security. European law ensures that periods abroad can also be relevant for later pension entitlement. These should therefore be declared to the responsible pension insurance institution. This is pointed out by the German Pension Insurance Association (DRV) in Berlin.
In order to receive a pension, certain conditions must be met - this includes, for example, reaching the so-called minimum insurance period. For long-term insured persons who want to retire at 63, this is 35 years in Germany. Periods of employment completed in different countries can be added together for this purpose.
Work where others go on holiday: The pension in Germany can still be paid. © Pau Cardellach Lliso/Imago
In these countries, years of work can be counted towards pensions
According to the DRV, the times are aggregated in accordance with European Community law between the states of the European Union as well as Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. Germany has concluded social security agreements with many other countries.
Here is an overview of the countries with social security agreements with Germany:
- Albania
- Australia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Chile
- India
- Israel
- Japan
- Canada and Quebec
- Kosovo
- Morocco
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Philippines
- Serbia
- South Korea
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- Uruguay
- United States
Pension: If entitlement is not reached, contributions paid are not gone
Anyone who meets the requirements for a pension entitlement will generally receive the benefit from the country in which the employment was carried out, according to the DRV. Therefore, pension payments could flow from several states at the same time. Anyone who does not meet the minimum insurance period despite the aggregation of periods and thus does not receive a pension can normally have the contributions paid reimbursed.
The brochure on the topic, "Living and working in Europe", is available to interested parties on the DRV website. Free telephone information is also available on 0800 10 00 48 00.
