Retire abroad
4 tasks in suggested order
1. Check the pension impact before moving
A German pension is generally paid abroad too, but the amount and conditions can in individual cases depend on the destination country and certain insurance periods. Have your specific case checked by German Pension Insurance before moving permanently.
Deutsche Rentenversicherung or the competent international insurance provider.
Official source: Deutsche Rentenversicherung
2. Report the new address and bank details in time
To change payment without interruption, German Pension Insurance recommends informing the Pension Service about the new address and bank details about two months before moving.
Official source: Deutsche Rentenversicherung
3. Clarify health/care insurance and tax separately
Moving a pension abroad does not by itself determine where you are health/care insured or taxable. Clarify insurance with your health fund and tax treatment based on the country of residence and any double-tax treaty.
Official source: Deutsche Rentenversicherung
4. Watch for proof-of-life requests and other letters abroad
Abroad, an annual life certificate or digital proof of life may be required. In countries with automatic death-data exchange you may not need to submit one yourself, so follow the Pension Service’s letters.
Official source: Deutsche Rentenversicherung
