Pension insurance history settlement permit
All information on the necessary pension insurance contributions and pension insurance history for the settlement permit.
Here you learn ...
how much pension insurance contributions you need
everything about proof of pension insurance contributions
how and where to apply for pension insurance history
what alternative retirement provision options there are
Table of Content
1. Pension insurance contributions for permanent residence
2. Pension insurance history settlement permit
3. Alternative pension provision settlement permit
4. Exceptions to pension insurance contributions
5. Conclusion Pension insurance settlement permit
1. Pension insurance contributions for permanent residence
Anyone wishing to live permanently in Germany and applying for a settlement permit must, among other things, prove that they are economically integrated. Key evidence of this is a period of contributions to retirement provision , i.e., statutory pension insurance or a comparable private pension scheme. Pension insurance contributions demonstrate to the German government that applicants are financially independent – even in the long term.
The law requires the payment of pension insurance contributions for 60 months as a basic prerequisite for the granting of a settlement permit ( Section 9 (2) Sentence 1 No. 3 of the Residence Act ), as entitlement to a pension arises after 60 months of payment. If skilled workers apply for a settlement permit, 21 to 36 months of pension insurance contributions must be paid (depending on their residence status) ( Section 18c of the Residence Act ). The legislature thus aims to ensure that applicants are permanently financially secure – even in old age or in the event of reduced earning capacity.
2. Pension insurance history settlement permit
Proof of payment of pension insurance contributions is provided via the so-called pension insurance history . The pension insurance history of the German Pension Insurance plays a central role in the application for a settlement permit in Germany. The pension history contains a detailed overview of all insurance periods, employments, and any gaps, and is recognized as legally binding documentation . It therefore serves as official proof of how long and to what extent contributions to the statutory pension insurance were paid.
Applying for a pension insurance history is straightforward and can be done conveniently online via the German Pension Insurance customer portal . All you need to do is enter your insurance number (which you can find on your payslip) and your personal information on the German Pension Insurance website . The pension insurance history will then be sent to you by mail . It usually arrives within a few weeks. Applying for a pension history early is therefore advisable so that you can submit the history with your application for a permanent residence permit.
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3. Alternative pension provision settlement permit
Paying pension insurance contributions into the statutory pension insurance scheme is not the only permissible form of retirement provision for obtaining a permanent residence permit. The law also allows for the provision of evidence of expenses for a claim to comparable benefits from an insurance or pension institution or insurance company ( Section 9 (2) Sentence 1 No. 3 of the Residence Act ). Those who do not contribute to the statutory pension insurance scheme can therefore also fulfill the requirement through comparable private retirement provision. The following requirements must be met:
a guaranteed old-age pension from retirement age (e.g. 67 years)
insurance against occupational disability
Monthly benefits of at least €1,170.67 (as of 2025) or €14,048.04 annually for life (or until the average life expectancy of approximately 79 years)
Contributions must have been paid for at least 60 months. Alternatively, lump sum payments are also possible, provided the total amount corresponds to the pension level specified above. Existing savings or capital alone generally does not meet this requirement – it must be a contract with an insurance company or pension fund.
4. Exceptions to pension insurance contributions
The law provides for exceptions to the requirement for personal pension provision when applying for a settlement permit. Civil servants applying for a settlement permit under Section 19c, Paragraph 4 of the Residence Act are exempt from pension insurance because they are provided for elsewhere (e.g., through pension entitlements). An exception also applies to the so-called spouse's privilege . According to Section 9, Paragraph 3 of the Residence Act, it is sufficient if the spouse fulfills the 60-month contribution period.
Another exception to paying pension insurance contributions for a settlement permit is the crediting of foreign insurance periods . Germany has concluded social security agreements with many countries (Australia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, India, Israel, Japan, Canada and Quebec, Kosovo, Morocco, North Macedonia, Montenegro, the Republic of Korea, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, and the USA). Contributions made in these countries can be credited toward the required 60 months. However, this must be confirmed by the German Pension Insurance.
Summary of this Page
Pension insurance plays a central role in the application for a settlement permit in Germany. It serves not only as proof of economic integration, but also as evidence that applicants are secure for their long-term retirement. Generally, 60 months of pension insurance contributions must be provided (except for skilled workers) – either through statutory pension insurance or an equivalent private pension plan. The pension insurance history from the German Pension Insurance is the most important document and should be applied for early. There are statutory exceptions for certain groups of people – such as spouses or civil servants. Foreign insurance periods can also be recognized under certain conditions. Anyone seeking a settlement permit should inform themselves early on about the necessary proof of retirement provision and, if necessary, begin building up the necessary contributions or establishing a private pension plan in good time. This avoids unnecessary delays in the application process.
