Build toward 60 months
Voluntary contributions can help you reach the minimum insurance period for a regular pension entitlement. Without 60 contribution months, there is no monthly pension.
Voluntary Contributions
Is it worth paying into the German pension voluntarily?
Voluntary contributions can help build pension points, reach the 60-month threshold, and make a regular pension claim possible. Here you will learn when this route makes sense and how to approach it yourself.
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Calculator
How many pension points can you build?
Enter your planned contribution amount and see how voluntary contributions affect your future pension entitlement.
Contribution calculator coming soon
In the meantime, you can use the contribution range below and contact us directly with questions.
When it makes sense
Three reasons to consider voluntary contributions
Increase the later monthly pension
Every additional contribution builds more pension points. More points mean a higher monthly pension from retirement age — that can add up over the years.
Factor in the tax effect
Depending on your tax situation and country of residence, voluntary contributions may be tax-deductible. That lowers the real cost.
Contribution range 2026
What voluntary contributions cost
The contribution amount directly determines how many pension points you build per month. These are payments to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, not a Fundsback fee.
Minimum
The lowest possible monthly contribution. Builds pension points slowly, but still counts toward the 60-month threshold.
~103 EUR
/ month
Maximum
The highest allowed monthly contribution. Builds the maximum number of pension points per month.
~1.404 EUR
/ month
Step by step
How to set up voluntary contributions yourself
1
Check if voluntary contributions are possible for you
In general, anyone aged 16+ who is not compulsorily insured can pay into the German pension system voluntarily. This also applies to people living abroad.
2
Apply to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung
You submit an informal application for voluntary insurance to the DRV. This can be done in writing, using form V0060, or in some cases online.
3
Choose your contribution amount and set up payment
You choose a monthly contribution between the minimum and maximum. Payment can be made by bank transfer or direct debit.
4
Review annually and adjust if needed
Contribution amount and strategy should be reviewed regularly — especially when your tax situation or pension entitlement changes.
Coming soon
One-time package: Set up voluntary contributions with help
Don't want to handle everything yourself? Soon we will offer a one-time package where Fundsback sets up your voluntary contributions for you: application, form selection, contribution logic, and communication with the DRV. Set it up once, then it runs.
Register interestOne-time fee — no subscription
We handle the application and forms
Choose contribution amount together
Communication with the DRV in English
You keep full control
FAQ
Common questions about voluntary contributions
What are voluntary pension contributions?
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Voluntary pension contributions (freiwillige Beitraege) are payments you can make to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung on your own initiative, even if you are no longer required to contribute. They help you build or maintain pension entitlements, close gaps in your contribution history or reach the minimum 60-month threshold needed for a regular pension. This option is available to most people over 16 who are not already paying mandatory contributions.
When do voluntary contributions make sense?
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Voluntary contributions can make sense when you are comparing a longer-term pension-building route against refund or another pension option. The answer depends on contribution history, residence and the broader pension goal, so it should always be weighed in context first.
Who should consider voluntary pension contributions?
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Voluntary contributions are worth considering if you are close to the 60-month threshold and want to qualify for a regular German pension, if you already have significant contribution months and want to increase your future pension amount, or if you live in a country with a social security agreement that lets you combine German and local pension rights. They are less relevant if you have very few contribution months and a refund would return more value. A personal review helps determine which route fits better.
How much can I contribute voluntarily to the German pension?
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In 2026, the minimum voluntary contribution is around 103 EUR per month and the maximum is around 1,404 EUR per month. You can choose any amount within this range. Higher contributions build more pension entitlement points (Entgeltpunkte), which directly increase your future monthly pension. Contributions can be paid monthly or as a lump sum for past months within the same calendar year. The exact amounts are adjusted annually.
How do voluntary contributions affect my future pension?
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Each voluntary contribution month earns pension points (Entgeltpunkte) based on the amount you pay relative to the average income. These points directly determine your monthly pension. Contributing at the minimum rate for 12 months adds roughly 5-6 EUR to your monthly pension. Contributing at the maximum rate can add over 70 EUR per year of contributions. Over many years, this adds up significantly. Voluntary months also count towards the 60-month minimum needed for any regular pension entitlement.
Should I think about voluntary contributions instead of a pension refund?
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Sometimes yes, especially when a refund is less realistic and a longer-term pension route deserves more attention. The right answer still depends on contribution history, current residence and the broader pension plan, so it should be checked before you commit to one path.
Questions?
Not sure if voluntary contributions make sense for you?
Send us a short message. We help you sort the decision — free and without obligation.