German pension transfers exceeded 1.7 million to foreign recipients in 2022.
German Pension Transfers Exceed 1.7 Million in 2022
Recent data from the German Pension Insurance Authority reveals that over 1.7 million pensions were transferred outside Germany last year. This figure mirrors the previous year’s statistics, representing approximately 6.5% of the total 26.2 million pension payments issued annually by the authority.
Significant Increase in Transfers
The data indicates a notable rise in the number of pensions transferred abroad over the past two decades. Twenty years ago, the figure stood at around 1.4 million pensions. However, from 2005 to 2025, this number has surged by nearly 20%. This increase stems from a large influx of workers who migrated to Germany during the 1960s and 1970s from countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, the former Yugoslavia, and Turkey.
After completing their work periods, many of these workers returned to their home countries, taking their earned pensions with them. Consequently, these transfers have become a vital part of their income.
Transfer Figures by Country
According to the data, approximately 1.24 million pension payments were sent to European Union countries. Italy topped the list with around 347,000 pensions, followed by Spain with about 190,000, and Austria with roughly 130,000. Notably, Germans living abroad account for about 16% of all pension transfers.
Assurance of Beneficiary Rights
Heribert Joris, President of the General Assembly of Representatives of the German Pension Insurance, emphasized that the legal framework ensures beneficiaries do not face disadvantages when residing or working outside Germany. This commitment reflects the German government’s dedication to protecting the rights of retirees.
The General Assembly will hold a meeting today in Potsdam to discuss updates on the pension insurance system, along with policies regarding payments and transfers. These meetings provide an opportunity to exchange views on improving the system and enhancing beneficiary rights.
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