Conditions for Receiving Pension in Germany for Ukrainians: How Many Years Must You Work

Many Ukrainians who were forced to flee to Germany due to the war are interested in the issue of receiving a pension in this country. As experts explain, certain conditions regarding insurance contributions and age must be met to qualify for a German pension.

This is reported by AgroReview

Is Ukrainian Work Experience Recognized and How Many Years Must You Work

Lawyer Olga Brus emphasizes that there are no agreements between Ukraine and Germany regarding mutual recognition of insurance contributions. This means that work experience gained in Ukraine will not be counted when applying for a pension in Germany. To be eligible for a German pension, Ukrainians must work officially and pay contributions to the German Pension Fund for at least five years.

To retire in Germany, you must make insurance contributions for a minimum of five years. In other words, to receive a German pension, Ukrainians need to be officially employed and pay contributions to the German Pension Fund for five years, – explains the lawyer.

After reaching the retirement age established in this country, and provided that they have at least five years of insurance contributions, Ukrainians can claim a pension according to the law.

Features of the German Pension System and Retirement Age

In Germany, there is no clearly defined minimum pension – the amount of payments is determined individually for each pensioner based on the total contributions paid and the duration of work experience. According to Olga Brus, the retirement age in the country is gradually increasing: in 2024 it will exceed 65 years, in 2025 it will be over 66 years, and by 2031 it is expected to rise to 67 years.

Experts also emphasize that the concept of “pension for refugees from Ukraine” does not exist in Germany. To be eligible for pension payments, each displaced person must work and pay contributions for at least five years.