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Emigrating with disability pension: Your dream destination, your pension, your rights!

Are you dreaming of a new chapter abroad while receiving your disability pension? The good news is: it's possible! But before you pack your bags, there are several things to consider. Get comprehensive information now about the most important aspects and secure your financial independence abroad. Do you need personal advice? Get in touch with us here.

Minutes

auswandern-emirate

auswandern-emirate

18 Feb 2025

12

Minutes

Simon Wilhelm

Expert for Expat Services at GoMovin

Are you dreaming of a new chapter abroad while receiving your disability pension? The good news is: it's possible! But before you pack your bags, there are several things to consider. Get comprehensive information now about the most important aspects and secure your financial independence abroad. Do you need personal advice? Get in touch with us here.

The topic short and concise

Are you dreaming of a new chapter abroad while receiving your disability pension? The good news is: it's possible! But before you pack your bags, there are several things to consider. Get comprehensive information now about the most important aspects and secure your financial independence abroad. Do you need personal advice? Get in touch with us here.

Are you dreaming of a new chapter abroad while receiving your disability pension? The good news is: it's possible! But before you pack your bags, there are several things to consider. Get comprehensive information now about the most important aspects and secure your financial independence abroad. Do you need personal advice? Get in touch with us here.

Are you dreaming of a new chapter abroad while receiving your disability pension? The good news is: it's possible! But before you pack your bags, there are several things to consider. Get comprehensive information now about the most important aspects and secure your financial independence abroad. Do you need personal advice? Get in touch with us here.

Planning to emigrate with your reduced earning capacity pension? Find out how your pension entitlement, health insurance, and tax obligations change. We provide clarity!

Emigrating with Reduced Earning Capacity Pension: Secure your pension abroad!

Emigrating with Reduced Earning Capacity Pension: Secure your pension abroad!

Are you planning to emigrate with your disability pension? This step can signify an exciting new phase in life, but it also involves some important aspects that you should consider. At GoMovin, we understand that a move abroad needs to be well-planned, especially if you are receiving a pension. That's why we want to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what you need to know as a disability pensioner about moving abroad – from pension payments to health insurance.

Overview of Disability Pension and Emigration

The disability pension is a benefit from the German Pension Insurance, provided to individuals who can no longer work or can only work to a limited extent due to illness or disability. If you plan to emigrate with this pension, there are some crucial points to ensure that your pension continues to be paid and you are adequately protected abroad. Many disability pensioners dream of spending their twilight years abroad, whether for the better climate, lower living costs, or simply to fulfill a long-held dream.

What Does Disability Pension Mean?

The disability pension is paid to insured individuals who, due to health restrictions, are no longer able to work. There are two types: the full and partial disability pension. You receive the full pension if you can work less than three hours a day, and the partial pension if you can work between three and six hours. The German Pension Insurance checks whether you meet these requirements. Here you will find more information on pension entitlements in case of disability.

Why Do Disability Pensioners Move Abroad?

Many disability pensioners choose to live abroad to enhance their quality of life. A milder climate, for example in Portugal or Spain, can have a positive effect on health issues. Moreover, the cost of living is lower in many countries than in Germany, which makes it easier to manage with the pension. Last but not least, personal motives also play a role, such as the desire for a fresh start or proximity to family and friends who already live abroad. Our information on emigrating to Portugal might be of interest to you.

Pension Abroad: Ensuring Full Payment in EU Countries

The Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) has clear regulations regarding the payment of your pension abroad. It's important to know which conditions apply to avoid financial surprises. GoMovin helps you keep track and initiate the necessary steps in a timely manner.

Pension Payment Abroad

As a general rule: If you move to a country within the European Union (EU), or to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland, you will receive your full pension without reductions. This also applies to the disability pension. However, outside of these countries, restrictions may apply, especially if there is no social security agreement with Germany. It is therefore advisable to seek information from the DRV early on. The Deutsche Rentenversicherung provides detailed information about pensions abroad.

EU/EEA States and Switzerland

Within the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland, your disability pension is paid in full. You just need to make sure to inform the DRV of your new address and, if necessary, submit a life certificate. For health insurance, you need the E121 form, which allows you to access medical services abroad. This form is particularly important to ensure your healthcare coverage.

Countries with Social Security Agreements

Germany has concluded social security agreements with many countries. These agreements regulate pension payments and health insurance, among other things. You can find out if such an agreement exists and what conditions apply from the DRV. Examples of countries with social security agreements include the USA, Canada, and Australia. These agreements can significantly ease your social security.

Countries Without Social Security Agreements

In countries without social security agreements, there may be reductions or restrictions on pension payments. Therefore, it's essential to seek advice from the DRV before emigrating. The DRV can tell you exactly what impact the move will have on your pension and what alternatives are available. Early consultation helps avoid unexpected financial losses.

Secure pension level: Examine the labour market clause carefully!

The amount of your disability pension can depend on various factors, particularly the reason for the pension being granted. GoMovin helps you understand which aspects are relevant and how to best secure your pension entitlements.

Reviewing Pension Approval

An important point is whether your disability pension was granted due to medical reasons or because of so-called labour market exclusion. If the pension was granted due to labour market exclusion, this means that you might still be capable of working a few hours, but there is no suitable job available for you. In this case, moving abroad may result in reductions as the foreign labour market may be structured differently.

Reason for Disability

It is crucial to know the exact reason for the disability. If the pension is based solely on medical reasons, moving abroad generally has no impact on the pension amount. However, if labour market exclusion plays a role, this can change. The R+V Insurance provides information on the impacts of moving abroad on retirement planning.

Possible Reductions with Labour Market Exclusion

If your disability pension was also granted due to labour market exclusion, moving to a country outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland may result in reductions. In this case, you might only receive a partial disability pension. However, there are exceptions for certain countries with which Germany has special agreements.

Significance of Foreign Working Periods

Foreign working periods can also play a role in calculating your pension. For instance, if you have worked in another country in the past, these periods can be considered in the pension calculation. It is important to present all relevant documents to the DRV to ensure your pension is calculated correctly.

Crediting of Foreign Insurance Periods

The crediting of foreign insurance periods can positively affect your pension. It is therefore important to submit all relevant documents. An example is the 1975 agreement with Poland, which allows the crediting of working periods in Poland. The German Pension Insurance provides information on the effects of moving abroad on pensions.

Planning emigration: Consider financial and health aspects

Careful planning is crucial when you want to emigrate while receiving a disability pension. GoMovin assists you in considering all important aspects, from financial planning to health insurance.

Financial Planning

Realistic financial planning is essential. Create a budget that accounts for both fixed and variable costs. Research the cost of living in your destination country and plan for unforeseen expenses. Tax considerations should not be overlooked. As an emigrant, you are subject to limited tax liability in Germany and may need to submit a tax return.

Budgeting for Fixed and Variable Costs

When budgeting, consider all costs you will incur in the destination country. These include rent, utilities, groceries, transport, health insurance, and leisure activities. It is advisable to have a buffer for unexpected expenses, such as repairs or doctor's visits.

Tax Considerations

As a retiree living abroad, you are subject to limited tax liability in Germany. This means only your domestic income is taxed. To avoid double taxation, there are double taxation agreements between Germany and many countries. Check with the Federal Central Tax Office or a tax advisor for applicable regulations.

Health Insurance Abroad

Health insurance is a particularly important aspect to address before emigrating. Within the EU, you typically remain entitled to the benefits of statutory health insurance. Outside the EU, you need private or international health insurance.

Statutory Health Insurance within the EU

If you emigrate to an EU country, you may continue to be insured under the German statutory health insurance under certain conditions. You will need the E121 form. Voluntarily insured individuals might be eligible for subsidies to their health insurance contributions.

Health Insurance Outside the EU

Outside the EU, you need private or international health insurance. Compare various offers and choose an insurance policy that meets your needs. Ensure that the insurance also covers medical treatments in the destination country. Our information on health insurance for emigrants may be helpful.

Mastering Administrative Procedures: How to Ensure a Smooth Emigration

Before emigrating, there are some bureaucratic procedures and formalities to complete. GoMovin supports you in keeping everything in view and initiating all necessary steps in good time.

Contacting the German Pension Insurance

Get in touch with the German Pension Insurance early on to clarify all relevant questions. Seek individual advice and obtain written confirmation of the impact of the move on your pension. Notify the DRV of your emigration in good time to ensure a smooth pension payment.

Clarification of all relevant questions

Clarify all questions regarding your pension before you emigrate. These include questions about pension amount, payment, health insurance, and tax aspects. Individual advice from the DRV is essential.

Notification of Emigration

Inform the DRV of your emigration in good time, ideally at least two months before moving. Provide your new address abroad and inform the Deutsche Post AG pension service.

Certificate of Life

The DRV regularly requires a certificate of life from you to ensure that you are still alive and can continue receiving your pension. There are exceptions for countries with which Germany has a data agreement.

Regular submission

Regularly submit a certificate of life to the DRV. You will receive information on the deadlines and procedure from the DRV. In some countries, submission is not necessary due to a data agreement.

German Foreign Missions

The German foreign missions (embassies and consulates) offer administrative support and consular services. In an emergency, you can contact the foreign mission.

Administrative support

The German foreign missions can assist you with various administrative matters, such as applying for documents or questions about residency rights.

Utilise social security agreements: Avoid double taxation, ensure protection

Social security agreements and double taxation agreements play an important role for pensioners abroad. GoMovin explains what you need to be aware of to ensure your social security and avoid double taxation.

Importance for Pensioners Abroad

Social security agreements regulate the social protection of pensioners abroad, particularly health and long-term care insurance. Double taxation agreements prevent you from having to pay tax on your pension both in Germany and abroad.

Avoiding Double Taxation

Consult the Federal Central Tax Office or a tax advisor about the applicable double taxation agreements. These agreements determine in which country your pension will be taxed.

Ensuring Social Security

Make sure you have adequate health and long-term care insurance abroad. The social security agreements specify in which country you are insured and what benefits you receive.

Overview of Important Agreements

Germany has concluded social security agreements and double taxation agreements with many countries. Find out about the current agreements on the DRV websites.

Examples of Countries with Agreements

Examples of countries with social security agreements include Switzerland, the USA, and Canada. You can learn about the specific regulations from the DRV.

Information on the DRV Websites

On the DRV websites, you will find a current list of treaty countries and detailed information on the individual agreements.

Mastering Emigration: Overcoming Language Barriers, Avoiding Cost Traps

Even if your emigration with incapacity pension is well planned, unexpected challenges can arise. GoMovin provides you with tips on how to overcome language and cultural barriers and avoid unexpected costs.

Language and Cultural Barriers

Integration in the destination country can be hindered by language and cultural barriers. Take language courses and familiarize yourself with the cultural customs. Build social contacts and engage in local life.

Integration in the Destination Country

Integration in the destination country is crucial for your well-being. Participate in language courses to learn the local language. Educate yourself about the cultural practices to avoid misunderstandings.

Social Contacts

Build social contacts to feel at home in the destination country. Join clubs, participate in local events, and connect with locals.

Unexpected Costs and Bureaucratic Hurdles

Unexpected costs and bureaucratic hurdles may also occur. Seek legal advice before buying or renting property. Learn about local customs and healthcare arrangements.

Property Purchase or Rental

Seek legal advice before buying or renting a property. Find out about local customs and the legal framework.

Healthcare Provision

Ensure you have access to good medical care. Get informed about the different healthcare systems and choose a health insurance plan that suits your needs.

Emigrating with a Reduced Earning Capacity Pension: Planning, Advising, Fulfilling Dreams!

Emigrating with a disability pension is a major step that requires careful planning. GoMovin summarises the key points and gives you an outlook on the future.

Summary of Key Points

Early planning, personalised advice, and thorough preparation are crucial for successful emigration. Get informed about pension regulations, health insurance, and tax aspects.

Checklist for Emigrants with Disability Pension

Here is a checklist that can help you plan your emigration:

  • Early Planning: Start planning your emigration well in advance.

  • Personalised Advice: Seek individual advice from the DRV and other experts.

  • Thorough Preparation: Prepare all necessary documents and gather information about the conditions in the destination country.

Future Prospects for Pensioners Abroad

The digitisation of pension administration, along with new agreements and treaties, makes life easier for pensioners abroad. Be encouraged by positive examples and realise your dream of living abroad.

Trends and Developments

The digitisation of pension administration and new agreements and treaties facilitate life for pensioners abroad.

Encouragement to Realise the Emigration Dream

Take inspiration from positive examples and make your dream of living abroad a reality. Emigrating at an older age can be an enriching experience.

At GoMovin, we understand that planning and executing an international move can raise many questions. That's why we offer comprehensive relocation assistance tailored to your individual needs. From handling bureaucratic matters and organising the move to supporting your integration in your new home – we're by your side. Use our expertise to realise your dream of emigrating with a disability pension without stress. Our services in dealing with administrative procedures can save you a lot of time and effort.

Are you ready for your new chapter abroad? Contact us today for personalised advice. We're happy to assist you in making your move smooth and worry-free. Get in touch now!

FAQ

Kann ich mit meiner Erwerbsminderungsrente einfach so ins Ausland ziehen?

Not quite. It's important to check with the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) beforehand, since the payment of your pension depends on various factors, such as the destination country and whether Germany has a social security agreement with that country.

Wird meine Erwerbsminderungsrente gekürzt, wenn ich ins Ausland ziehe?

That depends on where you are moving to. Within the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, your pension is generally paid in full. Outside these countries, there may be reductions, especially if your pension was also granted due to the job market situation.

Was bedeutet Arbeitsmarktverschlossenheit im Zusammenhang mit meiner Erwerbsminderungsrente?

If your disability pension was granted not only for medical reasons but also due to job market unavailability (i.e., you could still work but there's no suitable job for you in Germany), moving abroad can lead to reductions, as the foreign job market might be structured differently.

Welche Rolle spielen Sozialversicherungsabkommen bei der Auswanderung mit Erwerbsminderungsrente?

Social security agreements regulate, among other things, pension payments and health insurance. You can find out if such an agreement exists between Germany and your destination country from the DRV. These agreements can greatly simplify your social security arrangements.

Wie wirkt sich die Krankenversicherung auf meine Erwerbsminderungsrente im Ausland aus?

Within the EU, you generally continue to be entitled to statutory health insurance benefits. Outside the EU, you will need a private or international health insurance. The E121 form is important for ensuring your healthcare within the EU.

Was ist eine Lebensbescheinigung und warum brauche ich sie?

The DRV regularly requires a life certificate from you to ensure that you are still alive and that the pension can continue to be paid. You can learn about the deadlines and procedure from the DRV.

Wie kann GoMovin mir bei der Auswanderung mit Erwerbsminderungsrente helfen?

GoMovin offers comprehensive relocation assistance, tailored to your individual needs. From sorting out bureaucratic matters and organising the move to supporting your integration into your new home – we are here for you. We help you fulfil your dream of emigrating with a disability pension without stress.

Wo finde ich weitere Informationen und Unterstützung?

Contact the Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) early to clarify all relevant questions. German foreign missions (embassies and consulates) offer administrative support and consular services.

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Elenra – Hochwertige Angebote und Durchführung in den Bereichen Gartenbau, Landschaftsgärtnerei, Landschaftsarchitektur, Baugewerbe und Handwerk. Mit maßgeschneiderter Beratung und individueller Planung realisieren wir Ihre Projekte professionell.

Elenra – Hochwertige Angebote und Durchführung in den Bereichen Gartenbau, Landschaftsgärtnerei, Landschaftsarchitektur, Baugewerbe und Handwerk. Mit maßgeschneiderter Beratung und individueller Planung realisieren wir Ihre Projekte professionell.

Elenra – Hochwertige Angebote und Durchführung in den Bereichen Gartenbau, Landschaftsgärtnerei, Landschaftsarchitektur, Baugewerbe und Handwerk. Mit maßgeschneiderter Beratung und individueller Planung realisieren wir Ihre Projekte professionell.