Rürup Pension: Your Tax-Optimized Path to Retirement for Expats in Germany
The Basisrente, also known as the Rürup pension, is the best tax
tool for saving money in Germany. It is perfect for self-employed
people, freelancers, and high earners. You can deduct your
contributions from your taxes and invest in modern ETFs at the
same time. In my Remote consultation, I show you how to use this
tax benefit for your future.
Reading time: about 4 minutes
At a glance:
Markus's Story: Turning taxes into a smart pension
Markus is an IT consultant. He is very successful, but he was
unhappy about paying so much in taxes every year. "I want to save
for myself, not just give it all to the state," he told me.
We found the perfect solution with a Rürup pension using ETFs. Markus can now deduct all his contributions from his taxes. This reduces his tax bill bigly.
His plan uses low-cost world ETFs. This means his money grows with the global market. Markus is happy because he can change how much he saves every month based on his profits. Today, he sees his pension plan as a smart investment that also saves him money on taxes every year.
Why the Rürup Pension is key for Expats
The Rürup pension was made for people who do not pay into the state pension or want to save more. Here is why it works:
Tax Savings: You deduct contributions now when your tax rate is high. You pay tax later when your rate is low.
Seizure Protection: Your pension money is safe from business problems or bankruptcy.
ETF Power: You can use low-cost ETFs to grow your money without tax on gains inside the plan.
Flexibility: You can change, stop, or add one-time payments at any time.
ETFs and Taxes: The Winning Mix
When you use ETFs inside a Rürup plan, you get a "compound interest turbo." Because you don't pay tax on dividends or gains while the money is in the plan, your capital grows much faster than in a normal bank account.
This combination of tax deductions and tax-free growth is very powerful. In our Remote consultation, we build a portfolio that fits your goals and keeps costs low.
Requirements for Expats
Valid German Address (Anmeldung)
German Bank Account (IBAN)
German Tax ID
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the Basisrente (Rürup pension)?
The Basisrente is a retirement plan with help from the
state. It is for people who are self-employed or earn a high
salary. Its main benefit is that you can deduct your
contributions from your taxes.
How high is the tax advantage in Germany?
You can deduct your contributions up to a high limit (ca.
€27,500 for singles, €55,000 for couples) at 100%. Depending
on your tax rate, the tax office pays for a big part of your
savings through your tax refund.
Can I invest flexibly in ETFs within the Basisrente?
Yes! Modern Rürup plans let you use low-cost ETFs. This is
great for taxes because you don't pay tax on dividends or
gains while the money stays in the plan. Your money grows
faster without tax deductions.
Is my capital in the Basisrente safe from seizure?
Yes, the Basisrente is very safe. If you have business
problems or go bankrupt, your pension savings are protected.
This is why it is a very stable pillar for entrepreneurs.
How flexible are the contribution payments?
Modern contracts are very flexible. You can change your
monthly amount, stop for a while, or pay extra at the end of
the year to specifically reduce your tax bill. This fits
perfectly for businesses with changing income.
When and how is the pension paid out?
You get a monthly pension for life starting earliest at age
62. You cannot take all the money out at once, which makes
sure you have a pension until the end of your life. This
covers the risk of living a very long life.
Legal Note: The information provided here is for general educational purposes, non-binding information, and orientation. It does not constitute individual advice or a binding offer. Daniel Hüsken accepts no liability for the accuracy of the information. Insurance conditions may vary. For tailored protection, a digital consultation via video call is required.
Turn Taxes into Pension?
Let's calculate together how high your tax advantage with a
Rürup ETF solution really is. I advise you neutrally and
personally (online).
