Did you work in Germany and pay into the pension system, but now you’re living abroad and wondering if you can get that money back? The good news: yes, you can — and it’s easier than you think!
If you’re a non-EU national who has contributed to the German pension system (Deutsche Rentenversicherung), you may be eligible for a full refund of those contributions. But the application process can be confusing, time-consuming, and bureaucratic. That’s where Fundsback comes in — a service I just found that simplifies the entire process and helps you get your money faster. FINALLY!
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to claim your German pension refund step-by-step using Fundsback.
🧠 What Is the German Pension Refund?
When you work in Germany, your employer automatically deducts mandatory pension contributions from your gross salary. This applies to most salaried employees, and the payments go into the public pension system.
If you’re not from the EU, and you leave Germany permanently, you may qualify for a refund of your contributions after two years of leaving the EU/EEA area. This refund does not include your employer’s contributions, just yours.
Depending on how long you worked and how much you earned, this refund can be worth thousands of euros.
✅ Who Is Eligible for a German Pension Refund?
You can apply for a pension refund if:
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- You’re a non-EU/EEA national
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- You’ve left the EU/EEA for at least 2 years
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- You paid into the German pension system (often called DRV)
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- You’ve not yet claimed a pension from Germany
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- You do not plan to return to Germany or the EU/EEA in the near future
Some countries (like the US, Canada, Australia, etc.) have social security agreements with Germany, which may affect how and when you can claim your refund.
💡 If you’re unsure if your country has an agreement, Fundsback can help clarify this based on your nationality.
💡 Why Use Fundsback?
Germany’s pension refund process is notoriously bureaucratic. You’ll need to:
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- Fill out complex German forms
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- Provide translations, notarizations, and certified documents
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- Wait several months for processing
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- Handle communication with the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) in German
No, thank you! Fundsback removes all that hassle. Here’s what they offer:
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- Free eligibility check
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- Application support in English
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- Document preparation and translation
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- Handling all communication with German authorities
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- Transparent pricing — either a fixed one-time fee or commission-based
Most importantly, you only pay when you get your refund, which makes it a low-risk option.
📝 Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Refund with Fundsback
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Go to Fundsback’s eligibility form and enter some basic details, such as your nationality, work history in Germany, and current country of residence. This takes under 2 minutes.
Step 2: Submit Basic Info & Sign the Agreement
If you’re eligible, Fundsback will invite you to sign a simple service agreement so they can act on your behalf. You’ll also upload your ID and proof of your work history (e.g., payslips, employment letters, or insurance numbers).
Step 3: Fundsback Prepares & Translates Everything
They’ll gather and prepare all the necessary documents, including:
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- The V901 pension refund form (in German)
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- Copies of your ID, deregistration, and proof of time outside the EU
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- Translations and certifications, if needed
You don’t have to fill out anything in German — they handle it all.
Step 4: Fundsback Submits Your Application
Your complete file is sent directly to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV). Fundsback tracks your case, follows up regularly, and keeps you updated.
Step 5: Receive Your Refund
If everything goes smoothly, you’ll get your refund in about 3–6 months, directly to your bank account (or PayPal or Wise, if needed). The average refund ranges from €3,000–€6,000, depending on how long you worked.
And just like that — money back in your pocket.
🔁 What If You’re Already Outside Germany?
No problem! Fundsback was made for expats like you. Everything is done online, and you don’t need to be in Germany to apply. Actually, most clients apply from their new home countries.
📌 FAQs
Can I still apply if I’ve lost my German paperwork?
Yes! They can help track down your insurance number and employment history even if you’ve lost old payslips or documents.
What if my country has a social security agreement with Germany?
You might not qualify for a full refund, but Fundsback will advise you on your best options — in some cases, you can still receive partial refunds or pension benefits later.
How long does it take?
On average, between 3–6 months. Fundsback helps ensure that delays are minimized.
Is it safe?
Yes. Fundsback is a verified legal partner of Deutsche Rentenversicherung and uses secure platforms to handle your data.
Getting your German pension refund doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. With Fundsback, the process is smooth, affordable, and 100% in English.
If you’ve worked in Germany and moved away, you might be leaving thousands of euros unclaimed. Don’t wait — the longer you wait, the harder it gets to track down documents or claim your refund.
👉 Start your free eligibility check with Fundsback now
You’ve got nothing to lose — and potentially thousands to gain.
