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Company Pension (bAV): More Money for your Future with ETF Power for Expats in Germany

Have you noticed that a big part of your salary disappears into taxes and social security? What if you could use that "gross money" to build a pension – and your employer pays a part of it too? In my Remote consultation, I show you how to use the company pension (bAV) as a powerful tool for your savings.

Reading time: about 4 minutes
At a glance:

Daniel's Story: Why saving from gross salary is a smart move

Daniel moved to Germany a few years ago to work as an engineer. He enjoys his job and the security it provides. But he realized that the state pension in Germany will not be enough to keep his current lifestyle when he gets older.

During lunch, his colleagues talked about a "direct insurance" (Direktversicherung) where the boss adds money. Daniel was skeptical: "Is it just another boring insurance with no profit?"

We looked at his situation together. Daniel learned that the company pension is a "turbo" for his savings. If he puts €100 from his gross salary into the pension, his net take-home pay only goes down by about €50. The other €50 comes from tax and social security savings. Plus, his employer adds at least 15% on top. Daniel says: "It's like getting a 50% discount on my retirement savings!"

More Net for your Future: How it works for Expats in Germany

The idea is simple: You use a part of your salary before taxes to save for retirement. Here is why it is so good:

  • Tax Free: You don't pay income tax on the money you save.
  • Social Security Savings: You also save on insurance costs like health and pension insurance.
  • Free Money from Boss: By law, most employers must add a 15% subsidy to your savings.
  • ETF Growth: We use modern plans that invest in ETFs for better returns.

ETF Power instead of zero interest

Forget the old pension plans of the past. Today, we use ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds). They are cheap, spread your risk across the world, and have the best long-term results.

You combine the massive tax savings of the bAV with the growth of the global stock market. Your plan is flexible – you can take it with you if you change your job or move.

bAV Advantage Calculator: More Net for Your Pension

See how much you save through taxes and the employer subsidy. You will see that a high contribution costs you much less than you think!

100
Tax Savings (approx.) - 20 €
Social Security Savings (approx.) - 20 €
Your Net Cost 60 €
Total Value in Contract
115 €
Employer Subsidy (15%)
15 €
Extra money from your boss
Your bAV Advantage

You effectively invest only 60 €, but 115 € arrive in your contract every month.

Requirements for Expats

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the company pension (bAV)?
The bAV is a pension plan supported by the state. A part of your gross salary goes directly into a pension contract. This saves you taxes and social security costs, while your employer adds a subsidy.
How high is the employer subsidy?
By law, most employers must pay a 15% subsidy on top of your contribution if they save social security costs. Some companies pay even more to help their workers.
Why is an ETF-based plan better?
Old plans have very low interest. Modern bAV plans use ETFs. This gives your money a better chance to grow with the global stock market while keeping management costs very low.
What happens if I change my job?
You can usually take your saved capital with you to your new employer. If the new boss doesn't support the same plan, you can keep it privately or stop paying into it. Your money is protected.
Is my money safe in a company pension?
Yes, company pensions are very well protected in Germany. Even if your employer goes bankrupt, your pension capital is safe because of special government-mandated insurance systems.
Can expats also use the company pension?
Yes, absolutely! Every employee in Germany who pays into the social system has the right to use a part of their salary for a company pension. It is one of the smartest ways to save for retirement here.
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.

Secure Subsidy?

Let's check together how much more pension you can get through gross savings and ETF power. I advise you neutrally and personally (online).