How Ukrainians can receive a pension in Germany: conditions, length of service, and minimum requirements

Ukrainians are only eligible for a pension in Germany if they are officially employed and have paid contributions. Find out what requirements German law imposes, how pensions are calculated, and what those planning to live in Germany long-term should take into account

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Ukrainians who have received temporary protection in Germany and plan to stay here for a long time are increasingly thinking about their own pension provision. The issue is not simple: Germany does not recognize Ukrainian insurance experience, as there is no relevant international agreement between the countries. However, it is possible to receive a German pension — but under specific conditions.

In a comment to UNIAN, lawyer Olga Brus explained the key rules that Ukrainians must follow if they want to be eligible for a German pension.

Is Ukrainian insurance experience recognized in Germany?

The short answer is no. Ukrainian insurance experience is not taken into account in Germany because there is no social security agreement between the two countries. This means that even 30 years of work in Ukraine will not affect your German pension calculation.

However, this experience does not “disappear”: in the future, it will be taken into account when calculating your Ukrainian pension. But you can only claim a German pension according to the rules of that country.

Basic conditions for receiving a pension in Germany

To be eligible for a German pension, you must:

● Work officially in Germany for at least 5 years — this is the minimum insurance period, which Germans call Mindestversicherungszeit or Wartezeit.

● Pay contributions to the German Pension Fund (Deutsche Rentenversicherung) throughout this period

Without contributions, even official employment will not be counted.

If a Ukrainian has lived in Germany for several years, worked only part-time or officially part-time, these periods are still counted in proportion to the contributions.

Tip: if you plan to drive to Germany or travel around Europe by car, make sure you have an electronic vignette (a document confirming payment of the toll for using toll roads) in advance. On the Visit Ukraine platform, you can apply for it online in a few minutes — without queuing at the border and unnecessary risks of being fined for not paying for roads.

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What is the retirement age in Germany?

The retirement age in Germany is one of the highest in Europe. It is gradually increasing:

● 2024 — over 65 years old,

● 2025 — over 66,

● by 2031, it will reach 67 years old for everyone.

Early retirement is possible, but with financial losses — payments are reduced for each month of early retirement.

What is the minimum pension in Germany?

There is no minimum fixed pension in Germany. German pensions are calculated individually. Important components:

● the number of years for which contributions were paid,

● the amount of contributions,

● the average salary in Germany in different periods,

● the accrual coefficient.

This means that two people who have worked for the same number of years may have different pensions if their salaries or employment conditions differed.

Can Ukrainians receive a pension from two countries?

Yes, this is possible. If a person has worked part of their life in Ukraine and then in Germany, each country will assign its part of the pension according to its own legislation. Such pensions are paid separately and can be received abroad.

We remind you! Germany is preparing a whole package of winter updates that will directly affect Ukrainians living in the country: from new railway routes and rules for unmanned transport to changes in pension payments, taxes, health insurance, and consumer rights. In December 2025, dozens of important regulations will come into force that will affect travel, finances, and everyday life. Read on to find out what changes will come into effect and how to prepare for them.

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