Germany Pension (Deutsche Rentenversicherung, DRV)

Germany's public pension is a statutory pay-as-you-go scheme (Umlageverfahren). Regular employees are automatically enrolled the moment they start work; contributions are about 18.6% of gross income (as of 2026; subject to change), split equally between employer and employee. The system is run by Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV), and certain self-employed groups (artists, craftsmen, teachers) are also mandatorily insured. As with Korea's national pension, you need a minimum contribution period to claim — the key threshold is the 5-year minimum (Wartezeit).

Core structure

• Contribution period (Beitragszeit): months you actually paid in. You need 60 months (5 years) for a regular old-age pension.
• Earnings points (Entgeltpunkte): each year, your earnings are compared with the national average and points accumulate. At retirement, points × current pension value (Rentenwert) gives your monthly benefit (the value is around EUR 40 in 2026; subject to change).
• Statutory retirement age (Regelaltersgrenze): age 67 for those born after 1964. Early retirement at 63 is possible after 35 years of contributions, but reduces the benefit by 0.3% per month.

Key points for foreigners and immigrants

• Under the Germany–Korea social security treaty (in force since 2003), Korean and German contribution periods can be totalised (Zusammenrechnung). So even if you don't reach 5 years in Germany, combining with your Korean record can qualify you for a pro-rata pension.
• EU/EEA totalisation is automatic under EC regulation 883/2004.
• Contribution refund (Beitragserstattung): non-EU nationals who contribute under 5 years and leave Germany permanently can reclaim the employee share (half of total contributions) 24 months after departure. Korean nationals should compare this with totalisation under the treaty before applying.
• Private and occupational pensions (bAV): the public DRV alone is widely seen as insufficient, so most people add a state-subsidised Riester-Rente, the Rürup-Rente for the self-employed, or an employer scheme (betriebliche Altersvorsorge).

Note on Minijobs

Mini-jobs paying up to EUR 556/month (as of 2026; subject to change) are by default subject to pension insurance, but the worker can opt out. Opting out means that period doesn't count toward your contribution record — if you're planning to stay long term, it's better to keep contributing.

Things to watch

• If you worked briefly in Korea before coming to Germany, get your Korean contribution certificate from NPS in advance — it speeds up totalisation claims.
• DRV correspondence is in German by default; English support is limited, so working with a translator or tax advisor is recommended.
• The choice between refund and totalisation cannot be reversed. People often regret the decision in their late 60s — choose carefully.

Official guidance: Deutsche Rentenversicherung, Korean NPS — bilateral treaty info