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🇩🇪 Germany

Rentenantrag (Germany)

German State Pension Application

Medium ~30 min PensionRetirementGermanyRente

/ What is this form?

The Altersrente (old-age pension) is Germany's state pension, funded through contributions during your working life. The regular retirement age is currently 67 (Regelaltersrente). You need at least 5 years of contributions (Mindestversicherungszeit). Apply at Deutsche Rentenversicherung about 3 months before retirement.

/ Who needs this form?

  • Anyone reaching retirement age with 5+ years of pension contributions
  • Early retirement possible at 63 with 35 years of contributions (with deductions)
  • Can receive German pension while living abroad

/ What you need before you start

Versicherungsnummer (pension insurance number — on your Sozialversicherungsausweis)
ID or passport
Bank details (IBAN)
Employment history (Versicherungsverlauf)
Tax ID (Steuer-ID)

/ Step-by-step guide

1 Check Your Versicherungsverlauf
Request your free Versicherungsverlauf (insurance history) from Deutsche Rentenversicherung. Check for any gaps or errors and request a Kontenklärung if needed. This shows exactly what contributions are recorded.
2 Get a Rentenauskunft
Request a Rentenauskunft (pension forecast) showing your expected monthly pension amount. This helps you plan finances. Available online at eservice.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de.
3 Choose Your Retirement Type
Select the pension type: Regelaltersrente (age 67), Altersrente für langjährig Versicherte (63+ with 35 years contributions, with deductions), or Altersrente für besonders langjährig Versicherte (63 with 45 years, no deductions).
4 Complete the Application
Fill in the Rentenantrag form: personal data, pension type, bank details (IBAN), and tax information. Submit 3 months before your desired start date to avoid payment delays.
5 Submit to Deutsche Rentenversicherung
Submit online, by post, or in person at a Deutsche Rentenversicherung office. Pension payments begin from the month after the start date — there's no backdating possible.

/ Key fields explained

Field What to enter Common mistake
Art der Rente Select the type: Regelaltersrente (age 67), langjährig Versicherte (35 years+), or besonders langjährig Versicherte (45 years+) Choosing the wrong pension type — each has different age requirements and deduction rates

/ Common mistakes to avoid

Not checking the Versicherungsverlauf for gaps before applying
Applying too late — pension starts only from the month you apply, no backdating
Not knowing that child-raising years (Kindererziehungszeiten) and caregiving periods count toward contributions

/ Frequently asked questions

How much pension will I receive?

Depends on your Entgeltpunkte (earnings points). An average earner with 45 years of contributions receives about €1,700/month gross (2024). Request a Rentenauskunft for your personal projection.

Can I get German pension abroad?

Yes. German pension can be paid to bank accounts in most countries. Some bilateral agreements affect taxation — check the treaty with your country of residence.