Capital Requirement: How much wealth do you need? for Expats in Germany
This tool helps you see how much savings you need for retirement. It calculates the money you must have to get the monthly payout you want.
The amount you want to take out every month also to your state pension.
Example: The average life expectancy in Germany is about 81 years.
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Money needed at retirement start
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First Monthly Payout:0 €
Total Payouts (Raw):0 €
Total with Inflation:0 €
Cost of Inflation*:0 €
*Includes annual increases to keep your buying power the same.
Plan for a safe future for Expats in Germany
Many people don't know how much money they need for a good life in retirement. Two things are very important:
Living Longer: People live longer today. Your savings might need to last 20, 30, or even 40 years.
Inflation: Prices go up every year. If you need 1,000 euros today, you will need about 1,485 euros in 20 years to buy the same things.
If you invest in ETFs, your money keeps working for you even after you retire. This means you need to save less at the start because you get more interest.
Requirements for Expats
Valid German Address (Anmeldung)
German Bank Account (IBAN)
German Tax ID
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the capital requirement calculated?
The calculator determines the present value of a dynamic pension. It takes into account that withdrawals increase annually by the inflation rate, while the capital not yet withdrawn continues to earn interest at the selected rate.
Should I invest all my money safely at the start of retirement?
Not necessarily. Since the retirement phase often lasts decades, it makes sense to keep part of the capital invested in high-yield assets (e.g., in ETFs). Only the money for the next 2-5 years should be absolutely fluctuation-free.
What happens if I live longer than planned?
That is the so-called "longevity risk". Anyone who wants absolute security should choose a lifelong pension insurance (net policy). A withdrawal plan from a portfolio is more flexible but carries the risk that the money is used up prematurely.
How high is the average life expectancy?
Statistically, 67-year-old men in Germany live on average another 18 years, women approx. 21 years. Since these are only average values, many plan until the age of 90 or 95 as a precaution.
What role does inflation really play?
Inflation is the biggest enemy of your purchasing power. Without compensation, a constant withdrawal over 20 years would lose value bigly. Our calculator therefore shows you how much capital you need to adjust the withdrawal to inflation every year.
Are withdrawals tax-free?
Withdrawals from private assets are subject to withholding tax (on capital gains/interest). Pension insurance often enjoys the half-income method or taxation of the yield component. The calculator determines the gross capital requirement before taxes.
In Germany, insurance premiums are regulated by law. This means you pay the same price whether you buy directly from an insurance company or through a broker like me. My expert advice and personal support are already included in the premium – there are no extra costs for you.
Legal Note: This calculator is for non-binding information and orientation. It does not replace individual advice. The calculations are based on standard financial mathematical formulas. Daniel Hüsken accepts no liability for the accuracy of the results.
Plan capital cleverly?
Let's calculate together how much you need to save monthly to safely cover your capital needs in old age – high-yield on an ETF basis.