Pension FAQ

When can I retire?

It depends on your birth date — for example, someone born from September 1962 reaches pension age at 63 years and 4 months. See the full table on the pension age page.

How many years of insurance do I need?

15 years for an ordinary old-age pension. For an early pension the Act requires the same 15 years, but also at most 2 years left before the pension age.

How is the pension amount calculated?

The average personal wage point (POMB) is multiplied by the pension insurance period (ODP) and the current pension value (ADH) — 19,76 € per point for 2026. The full method is on the how the pension amount is calculated page.

Is there a maximum pension?

The Act states no separate maximum-pension amount. § 63 (2) caps only the formula's INPUT — the average personal wage point above 3 is disregarded — which limits what may enter the calculation, not the resulting pension amount directly.

How are pensions already in payment increased?

Pensions already in payment are increased every January by the growth of consumer prices for pensioner households, measured over the first nine months of the preceding year (§ 82 (1)). The increase from January 2026 was 3,7 %.

Can I retire early, and what does it cost?

Yes, at most 2 years early, with 15 years of insurance. It costs a reduction of 0,5 % for every started 30 days — and unlike some neighbouring systems, that reduction stays in force even after the pension age is reached.