Wegweiser Pensioners · Pension, tax, basic income support and housing benefit explained Deutsch

🌍 Pension abroad and proof of life

German pensions are paid worldwide. If you live abroad, you must provide proof of life once a year.

pension abroad proof of life life certificate pension abroad Renten Service digital proof of life residence abroad

In brief

The Deutsche Rentenversicherung pays pensions to many countries. Payment is handled by Deutsche Post AG, Renten Service.

If you live abroad, you must show once a year that you are alive (proof of life, Lebensnachweis). The documents arrive in June and July. If you do not respond, the pension can be stopped.

For some countries (for example Austria, Italy, Spain, Australia) the proof runs automatically. Since 2024 there has been a worldwide digital proof of life with a QR code, a valid ID and the PostIdent app, free of charge from home.

Step by step

  1. Keep your address and bank details up to dateReport a move and new accounts to the pension insurance.
  2. Watch for mail in June and JulyDo not overlook the letter about the proof of life.
  3. Provide the proofDigitally (PostIdent) or by form, depending on the country.
  4. Ask for adviceBefore moving abroad, clarify pension, health insurance and tax.

Deadlines

once a year
Proof of life if you live abroad, sent in June and JulyDeutsche Rentenversicherung, Faktencheck (announcement of 31 July 2025)
3 months
Objection deadline if notified abroad§ 84 SGG
approx. 1.7 million / 1.2 million
Pensions abroad / of which automatic proofDeutsche Rentenversicherung, Faktencheck
Watch out – common mistakes
  • Pensioners in Germany generally do not have to provide proof of life. An exception for a foreign account was not verified.
  • If you do not respond, you can lose the pension (payment is stopped).
  • Taxation, health insurance and double taxation agreements for pensions abroad were not checked against the full text. Please ask the Finanzamt and your health insurance fund.
  • Entitlement to basic income support in old age requires residence in Germany under § 41 SGB XII.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals

Payment abroad

According to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung, the pension insurance carriers pay pensions to entitled persons worldwide via Deutsche Post AG, Renten Service.

Proof of life

According to the DRV announcement "Faktencheck: Ohne Lebensnachweis keine Rente?" of 31 July 2025, pensioners resident abroad must provide proof of life once a year; the documents are sent in June and July. For around 1.2 million of 1.7 million pensions abroad, verification takes place automatically through data exchange (for example Austria, Italy, Spain). Digital proof of life since 2024 worldwide via QR code, ID and the PostIdent app.

Not checked against the full text

Social security agreements, EU coordination, taxation of pensions abroad and consequences of moving away, health insurance abroad.

Who is responsible
  • Deutsche Rentenversicherung (federal body or regional carrier)
  • Deutsche Post AG, Renten Service (payment, proof of life)
  • Finanzamt (tax office)
Further reading
Pension and taxes: taxable share, basic allowance, tax returnBasic income support in old age (SGB XII) and basic pension supplementAdvice and contact points for pensioners

Quick questions

Worum geht es bei „Pension abroad and proof of life“?
German pensions are paid worldwide. If you live abroad, you must provide proof of life once a year.
Which deadlines and figures matter?
  • once a year: Proof of life if you live abroad, sent in June and July (Deutsche Rentenversicherung, Faktencheck (announcement of 31 July 2025))
  • 3 months: Objection deadline if notified abroad (§ 84 SGG)
  • approx. 1.7 million / 1.2 million: Pensions abroad / of which automatic proof (Deutsche Rentenversicherung, Faktencheck)
What should I do first?
  • Keep your address and bank details up to date: Report a move and new accounts to the pension insurance.
  • Watch for mail in June and July: Do not overlook the letter about the proof of life.
  • Provide the proof: Digitally (PostIdent) or by form, depending on the country.
What do I need to watch out for?
  • Pensioners in Germany generally do not have to provide proof of life. An exception for a foreign account was not verified.
  • If you do not respond, you can lose the pension (payment is stopped).
  • Taxation, health insurance and double taxation agreements for pensions abroad were not checked against the full text. Please ask the Finanzamt and your health insurance fund.
Evidence
  • Deutsche Rentenversicherung, Faktencheck: Ohne Lebensnachweis keine Rente? (31 July 2025), retrieved 21 September 2026
  • Deutsche Rentenversicherung, Lebensnachweis für Rentner im Ausland (search hit), retrieved 21 September 2026
  • § 84 SGG and § 41 SGB XII, gesetze-im-internet.de, retrieved 21 September 2026
As of

September 2026 · Sources and method

A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.