Fruehstart-Rente: €10/Month from the State — Per Child, Every Month
Germany plans to pay 10 euros per month into a private pension depot for every child aged 6 to 18. That is 120 euros per year and up to 1,440 euros of state funding per child before market returns kick in. Here is what is planned, who qualifies and what you can do today.
Compare pension and retirement plans
While the Fruehstart-Rente bill is still in the legislative process, you can already explore classic pension products — and prepare the right depot for your child.
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Who qualifies for the Fruehstart-Rente?
The plan: every child living in Germany aged 6 to 18 is automatically eligible. There is no income or wealth cap on the family (Federal government, cabinet decision 17 December 2025).
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| State contribution | €10 per month |
| Per year | €120 |
| Over 12 eligible years | €1,440 + market returns |
| Age range | From the 6th birthday until majority |
| First cohort | 2020 — the children who turn 6 at programme start |
| Own contribution required? | No — parents may add extra voluntarily |
| Application required? | No — funding flows automatically via the depot |
Sources: Federal government press release, cabinet decision 17 December 2025; BMF FAQ Fruehstart-Rente.
Legislative status
Important: the Fruehstart-Rente is not yet law. So far, the federal cabinet has only adopted the framework paper (17 December 2025). The actual bill is expected during 2026. The government aims for retroactive validity from 1 January 2026 once the law is in force.
This is separate from the pension-reform act (Altersvorsorge-Reformgesetz) that the Bundesrat passed on 8 May 2026. That law replaces the Riester pension for adults with the new Altersvorsorgedepot from 1 January 2027. The Fruehstart-Rente is a separate rule for children and runs in parallel.
Details — such as maximum extra contributions or which providers will be certified — may still change during the legislative process. We will update this page as soon as the bill is published.
What you can do today
1. Compare providers
Look at providers offering child or pension depots. Low-cost, transparent depots have the best chance of being approved as Fruehstart-Rente providers later.
2. Review your own setup
Check your own retirement situation — Riester, Ruerup or classic pension. The Fruehstart-Rente complements but does not replace adult pensions.
3. Watch the updates
Follow the legislation. Only after the law is passed will you be able to open the actual Fruehstart-Rente depot. We will update this page as soon as it is possible.
If you already save for your child, take a look at our pension comparison — and at the Riester comparison for your own retirement. Expats considering family planning can also read our Active Pension 2026 guide.
What to look for in a future provider
- 1.Costs: Returns depend heavily on fees. The framework paper sets a cost cap for the parallel adult depot; the final rules for the Fruehstart-Rente are still pending, but low-cost depots tend to have an advantage.
- 2.Flexible investment: Over twelve years or more, return-oriented investments (e.g. broad-market ETFs) usually pay off. Make sure your provider offers savings plans on diversified indices.
- 3.Transparency: Are contributions and withdrawals clearly documented? How high are depot and order fees? Check the product information sheet.
- 4.Switching options: Can you change provider later without losing state funding? This is standard for most pension products and is expected for the Fruehstart-Rente depot too.
A comparison up front saves money later. If you also want to protect the family with life insurance or a term life policy, review both in parallel.
Frequently asked questions
Pension planning for the family
Until the Fruehstart-Rente starts, an existing pension can secure your family. Compare tariffs free of charge and with no obligation.