Germany pension system: requirements and estimated amounts

In Germany, a minimum of five years of pension insurance is required to qualify for a regular old-age pension. However, the actual amount received is not fixed and depends on an individual's salary history and the number of pension points accumulated.

The German pension system is based on pension points. A worker who earns an amount equal to the average annual salary of insured persons earns one point per year. For 2026, the average annual gross salary corresponding to one point is projected to be 51,944 euros, with the value of a single point set at 42.52 euros per month as of July 1, 2026.

An individual who earns the average salary for five consecutive years would accumulate five points, resulting in a gross monthly pension of approximately 212.60 euros. Those earning less than the average will accumulate fewer points and receive a lower pension, while those earning above the average will receive more. To receive a regular pension, individuals must also reach the statutory retirement age, which is gradually increasing from 65 to 67 years.