Germany continues to be one of the most popular destinations for foreigners seeking employment. As a result, those considering a long-term stay should pay attention to how the German pension system functions. What are the rules for receiving a pension in Germany? How much is it? We answer these questions in the article below.
Work in Germany – What are the popular industries?
The job market in Germany heavily relies on foreign workers. Job offers can be found in nearly every industry, and employment is available both seasonally and year-round. It’s worth considering looking for work in smaller towns, where the cost of living is lower and the demand for workers is higher.
Popular industries in Germany seeking workers include:
- Electricians
- Elderly care workers
- Mechanics
- Restaurant / hotel staff
- Warehouse workers
- Drivers
- Painters
- Medical staff (nurses)
- Construction workers
- Plumbers
Working hours in Germany
The standard working hours in Germany are regulated by the Arbeitszeitgesetz (Working Time Act), which currently states:
- Normal working hours: Usually, the standard workweek is 40 hours, spread over 5 working days (typically Monday through Friday).
- Maximum daily working hours: Employees cannot work more than 8 hours per day, but working hours may be extended to 10 hours daily, provided the average over 6 months does not exceed 8 hours per day.
- Rest periods: Employees are entitled to 11 hours of rest between working days. Additionally, if working hours exceed 6 hours, a 30-minute break is required.
- Weekend work: Sunday is generally a day of rest, but work on Sundays is permitted in certain industries, such as healthcare, retail, or transport.
Salaries in Germany
Salaries in Germany depend on many factors, including industry, work experience, region, position, and type of contract. Currently, the minimum hourly wage in Germany is €12.82 gross.
Below are the minimum hourly wage rates in different industries:
| Industry/Position | Minimum Gross Hourly Wage |
| Construction | Construction worker – not yet specified |
| Scaffolders | €13.95 |
| Painters and decorators | Unqualified workers – €13.00 |
| Qualified worker (with vocational diploma) – €15.00 | |
| Roofers | Qualified workers – €16.00 |
| Unqualified workers – €14.35 | |
| Electricians | €14.41 |
| Elderly care workers | Supporting staff – €16.10 |
| Qualified caregivers (after a one-year course) – €17.35 | |
| Qualified caregivers and elderly caregivers – €20.50 | |
| Temporary workers | €14.00 (until 28.02.2025) |
| €14.53 (from 1.03.2025 to 30.09.2025) |
Minimum wage rates in Germany in 2025
As mentioned earlier, hourly wage rates can vary significantly depending on the region, experience level, and employer. Additionally, knowledge of the German language also affects the offered wage. However, many job offers are available where language proficiency is not required, although these may offer lower wages or less attractive positions.
What determines the amount of pension in Germany?
The amount of pension in Germany primarily depends on the employee’s income. The system selects the most lucrative years worked, and the pension is calculated based on this. In addition, the pension amount depends on:
- Length of service
- The amount of pension insurance contributions
- The retirement age factor – the earlier you retire, the lower the amount
- The pension value factor – the value of the earnings point in the statutory pension insurance, which changes annually.
- Pension points – 1 point corresponds to the average annual income in Germany. The more points you accumulate, the higher the pension.
How much is the average pension in Germany?
Germany does not have a minimum pension. It is determined individually. The average pension for women is €1,316 gross, while men can expect €1,728 gross. It is estimated that around 25.5 million people receive this benefit. Pensions in West and East Germany often differ significantly. Some pensioners receive pensions exceeding €2,000, while others receive less than €1,200.
Conditions for receiving a pension in Germany
To qualify for a pension in Germany, a person must have legally worked for at least 12 months, paid pension contributions for 5 years, and reached the retirement age (unless they qualify for early retirement).
Retirement age in Germany
The retirement age in Germany is determined based on the year of birth.
| Year of Birth | Retirement Age |
| Before 1947 | 65 years |
| 1947-1958 | 65 years and 1 month |
| 1958 | 66 years |
| 1959-1963 | 66 years and 2 months |
| After 1964 | 67 years |
It is possible to retire earlier in Germany if the individual has a disability certificate or at least 35 years of pensionable service.
Types of pensions in Germany
The German pension system offers various types of pensions based on the type of employment, individual needs, and life circumstances:
- Basic pension, from the statutory pension system (Gesetzliche Rentenversicherung)
- Early retirement (Frühere Pensionierung) – minimum 35 years of pensionable service
- Disability pension (Erwerbsminderungsrente)
- Miners’ pension (from age 60) (Ruhestand für Bergleute)
- Pension for individuals who worked abroad (Internationale Rentenansprüche)
- Family pension (Hinterbliebenenrente) – for the family members of a deceased worker
- Private pension (Private Altersvorsorge) – voluntary pension, part of private retirement savings
- Additional pension from the supplementary pension system (Betriebliche Altersversorgung – bAV) – voluntary supplement to the statutory pension system offered by employers
- Low-income supplement (Grundsicherung)
The amount of Grundsicherung (social pension) depends on several factors, including living costs, housing expenses, and health and care insurance contributions. In 2025, the basic amount of this benefit is €563 per month for a single person, and €506 per month per person for a couple (i.e., €1,012 total for both partners).
How to apply for a pension in Germany?
A pension application in Germany should be submitted at least 3 months before reaching retirement age. The application can be made online, in person, or by mail to Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German Pension Insurance).
Required documents for the application:
- Copy of passport or ID card
- Employment details (e.g., work certificates, pay slips)
- Birth certificate
- Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement)
- Bank account number
- Health insurance number
- Information about other pensions (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (if applicable)
Important to know! If you have worked in other EU countries or outside of the EU, it is important to report these periods to Deutsche Rentenversicherung. Germany has international agreements that may allow foreign pension contributions to be included in the German system.
Once the verification is complete, you will receive a decision on your pension entitlement. This will include information about the pension amount, payment dates, and possible additional benefits. Pensions in Germany are paid monthly, directly to the specified bank account (in Germany or abroad).
After receiving the pension, the applicant can apply for additional benefits, such as for disabilities or social benefits for low income.
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