With its Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz), Germany has opened its doors to talented professionals from all over the world. Thousands of individuals settling in Germany under residence permits like §18a, §18b, §19c, and §18g of the Residence Act are not only starting a new chapter in their careers but also planning for their future. Undoubtedly, one of the most crucial aspects of this planning is retirement.

So, when and under what conditions can these professionals, who work in Germany and contribute to the German social security system, retire? How does your type of residence permit affect your pension rights? In this article, we cover all the details of the German pension system for qualified immigrants.

The Golden Rule: It’s Your Contributions, Not Your Residence Permit, That Matter

First, let’s clarify the most fundamental point: your right to a pension in Germany is not directly tied to the type of your residence permit (§18a, §18b, etc.). Your pension entitlement is determined by the contributions you have paid to the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) and the duration of these contributions.

Your residence permit is the key that allows you to work legally in Germany and, therefore, to contribute to the pension system. In other words, every month you work legally is a month you are saving for your retirement.

Two Main Conditions for Retirement in Germany

To receive a standard old-age pension (Regelaltersrente) in Germany, you generally need to meet two conditions:

1. What is the Retirement Age in Germany?

The standard retirement age in Germany is gradually being raised to 67. For anyone born in 1964 or later, the legal retirement age is 67. For those born earlier, the age is incrementally lower depending on their year of birth.

Under certain conditions (e.g., having contributed for 35 or 45 years), it is possible to retire earlier, but this usually results in deductions from the pension amount.

2. What is the Minimum Insurance Period (Wartezeit)?

To qualify for a pension, you must have contributed to the system for a certain period. This is called the “Wartezeit,” or “waiting period.” The general minimum insurance period to qualify for a standard old-age pension is 5 years (60 months).

Once you have completed this 5-year period, you are entitled to a German pension when you reach the legal retirement age. The longer you contribute and the higher your contributions, the higher your pension will be.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I retire if I only work in Germany for 5 years? A: Yes. Once you complete the 5-year (60 months) contribution period, you earn the right to a pension when you reach the legal retirement age (usually 67). However, the amount of this pension will be quite modest, as it will be based on only 5 years of contributions.

Q: Are my contributions more valuable as a skilled worker? A: The value of your contributions depends on your income. As a skilled worker, you generally earn a higher salary, which means the pension contributions deducted from your gross salary are also higher. This leads to a larger pension in the future.

Q: Can I get my contributions back if I leave Germany permanently and return to Turkey? A: If you have paid contributions for less than 60 months (5 years) and are permanently returning to Turkey, you may be able to apply for a refund of your employee share of the contributions after a certain waiting period. However, if you have exceeded the 60-month threshold, a refund is not possible because you have already qualified for a German pension, which will be paid out when you reach retirement age.

Q: How can I find out how much my pension will be? A: The German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) sends an annual statement called “Renteninformation” to insured individuals. This letter provides an estimate of your future pension based on the contributions you have made to date.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For accurate information regarding your personal situation, please consult the advisory services of the Deutsche Rentenversicherung or a qualified expert.