🔴 Rente im Ausland 2026 Welche Rentenanteile gestrichen werden – und Auswanderer jetzt handeld!

The German statutory old-age pension is fundamentally paid out worldwide, as per Paragraph 110 of the Sixth Social Security Code (SGB6). This means pensions cannot simply be cut due to emigration. About 1.7 million pensions are already paid out to over 150 countries. However, significant differences exist depending on the destination country.

Many German retirees wish to spend their retirement abroad. This video addresses the crucial question of whether one's German pension continues to be paid when living outside Germany, highlighting specific legal regulations and new obligations starting in 2026 that could affect pension payments.

If you spend less than six months a year outside Germany, your pension remains unchanged. All tax and pension benefits continue. Permanent emigration, however, brings complications, with rules varying by destination.

Countries are categorized into three groups: EU/EEA/Switzerland (full pension and health insurance coverage); Agreement states (full pension, combined insurance periods, but health insurance may vary); and Third countries without agreements (parts of the pension can be reduced or cut, and statutory health insurance coverage is lost).

In third countries without social security agreements (e.g., Thailand, Philippines), certain pension components like 'Fremdrentenzeiten' (foreign pension periods) and specific attribution periods for reduced earning capacity pensions may be forfeited. Health insurance also ceases, requiring individuals to arrange private coverage at their own expense.

As of January 1, 2026, electronic application and certification procedures, previously only for EU activities, are mandatory for all agreement states. This part of the 'Social Security Digitalization Act' aims to simplify processes but requires retirees to adapt to digital methods. Help is available from consulates or pension advisors.

The annual life certificate, verifying that a pensioner is still alive, is crucial. Failure to submit it can lead to pension payments being suspended. While many countries have automatic digital data exchange, others require a paper form, which must be notarized and returned within a set deadline. A digital submission option via QR code and the Postident app will be available again from June 2026.

German pensions remain taxable in Germany even when living abroad. For most cases, the 'limited tax liability' applies, meaning only income from German sources is taxed in Germany. Double taxation agreements (DBA) can affect which country has the right to tax the pension. Consulting a tax advisor specializing in international tax law or the Finanzamt Neubrandenburg (central tax office for foreign retirees) is highly recommended.

All German statutory pensions will increase by 4.24% on July 1, 2026, due to strong wage development in Germany. This includes old-age, reduced earning capacity, and survivor's pensions, and applies to all pensions paid out abroad. No application is needed; the increase is automatic.

The SGB6 Amendment Act, effective January 1, 2026, primarily modernizes administration and expands electronic application requirements to agreement states. It does not introduce a new general law that cuts pensions for emigrants; the principle of worldwide pension payment remains intact. Misinformation circulating online about blanket cuts is incorrect.

Cashing out pension contributions as a lump sum is only possible in very rare, specific circumstances, primarily if one hasn't met the minimum insurance period of 5 years, is no longer subject to compulsory pension insurance, and is a citizen of a country without a social security agreement with Germany. Only individual contributions, not employer portions or interest, are refunded at their historical value, making it generally a disadvantageous option compared to a lifelong monthly pension.

Medical-based reduced earning capacity pensions generally continue abroad. However, 'labor market-dependent' reduced earning capacity pensions cease upon permanent emigration due to loss of connection to the German job market. The Riester pension is not tied to residency and can be received abroad, but tax subsidies may be reclaimed in certain EU countries. Individual advice is essential for these cases.

The video concludes by reiterating key points: worldwide pension payment is law; full pension and health insurance in EU/EEA/Switzerland; generally full pension in agreement states with new electronic procedures; potential reductions and loss of health insurance in third countries; mandatory life certificates; German taxation of pensions abroad; the 4.24% pension increase in July 2026; and the critical importance of seeking advice from the German pension insurance, tax advisors, and carefully researching the destination country before moving.