Pension & Retirement for Expats in Germany

Planning for retirement in a new country can be daunting. The German pension system is unique, but it offers great opportunities for expats to build wealth and save taxes. I specialize in modern, ETF-based pension concepts that offer both high returns and the flexibility you need as a global professional.

Pension Options for Expats in Germany

Private Pension (ETF-based)

Flexible, low-cost, and portable. Ideal for expats who want a reliable retirement fund that can move with them.

Company Pension (bAV)

Save directly from your gross salary. Benefit from employer contributions and massive tax savings.

Basisrente (Rürup)

Perfect for high earners and self-employed. Convert your tax burden into private retirement capital.

Nettopolice (Fee-based)

Maximum efficiency. No commission costs, meaning more of your money works for you from day one.

Pension for Children

Start building wealth for your kids early. Tax-advantaged plans that give them a head start in life.

The New Pension Depot (from 2027)

Discover the latest German retirement innovation. Flexible, ETF-based, and highly tax-efficient.

Riester Pension (until 2026)

Get government subsidies for your retirement. Especially interesting for families with children in Germany.

Retirement Calculators for Expats

Pension Gap Calculator

Find out with a few clicks how much money you will really be missing in retirement – including inflation and taxes.

Capital Requirement

Calculate how high your wealth must be at the start of retirement to secure your desired withdrawal for life.

Compound Interest

Experience the magic of compound interest. Compare ETF returns with classic forms of saving in our interactive chart.

In today's economy, traditional low-interest savings plans often lose value due to inflation and high fees. By using globally diversified ETFs within a tax-advantaged insurance structure, you benefit from the long-term growth of world markets while enjoying the unique tax benefits only the German insurance system provides.

Requirements for Expats

Valid German Address (Anmeldung)
German Bank Account (IBAN)
German Tax ID

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is private pension essential in Germany?

The statutory pension level is steadily decreasing while life expectancy increases. For expats, who might not have a full contribution history in Germany, a private ETF-based supplement is the only way to maintain purchasing power and avoid a pension gap in old age.

When should I start my pension planning?

The earlier, the better. Due to the compound interest effect, even small monthly amounts started in your 20s or 30s make a massive difference. Time is your most valuable asset when it comes to retirement planning.

Why do you consistently recommend ETF-based plans?

ETFs offer extremely low costs and broad risk diversification across global markets. Unlike traditional, expensive insurance products with high management fees, ETF-based plans ensure that more of your returns actually stay in your pension pot.

What is the advantage of a Nettopolice (Fee-based plan)?

A Nettopolice does not include any hidden acquisition commissions. Your capital works efficiently for wealth accumulation from the very first euro, leading to significantly higher final payouts compared to commission-based products.

What role does the Company Pension (bAV) play for expats?

The bAV is a highly efficient tool as contributions are made directly from your gross salary, saving you taxes and social security contributions. Combined with the mandatory employer contribution and an ETF investment, it creates a powerful lever for wealth building.

How flexible are modern pension plans?

Today's plans are designed for global professionals. You can increase, decrease, or pause contributions, make top-ups, or even take partial withdrawals during the term. Many plans are also portable, fitting perfectly into an expat's flexible lifestyle.

Legal Note: The information provided here is for general educational purposes and does not count as personal advice or a binding offer. Insurance conditions may vary. For tailored protection, a digital consultation via video call is required.