Rürup Pension Compare Germany 2026
Self-employed in Germany? Your Rürup pension contributions are 100% tax-deductible, up to €30,826 per year in 2026. Compare plans here, in English, for free.
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What is a Rürup Pension in Germany?
The Rürup pension (German: Rürup-Rente or Basisrente) is a government-backed private pension plan. It was introduced in 2005 and named after economist Bert Rürup. The main draw: your contributions lower your taxable income.
In 2026, single taxpayers can deduct up to €30,826 from their taxes. Married couples filing jointly can deduct up to €61,652. Since 2023, the full contribution is 100% deductible. That was not always the case, so older sources sometimes show lower percentages.
Who benefits most from Rürup pension?
Self-employed and freelancers
No access to statutory pension? Rürup fills that gap and cuts your tax bill.
High earners
The higher your tax rate, the more you save. At 42%, that is roughly €12,947 per year.
Managing directors
GmbH-Geschäftsführer often lack statutory pension coverage. Rürup provides a tax-efficient alternative.
Anyone wanting asset protection
Rürup savings are protected from seizure during the savings phase, similar to statutory pensions.
If you are an employee paying into the statutory pension system already, keep in mind that your employer's pension contributions are subtracted from the €30,826 limit. That means the actual amount you can add through Rürup is lower. A Riester pension might be a better fit in that case, since it offers direct government subsidies instead of tax deductions.
Expat freelancer or contractor? Our pension insurance for expats guide covers Rürup eligibility, portability, and DBA tax rules.
How much tax do you actually save?
Your savings depend on your personal income tax rate. Here are three scenarios for 2026, assuming the maximum contribution of €30,826:
Good to know: Rürup pension payouts are taxed as income later. In 2026, 83.5% of your pension payments count as taxable income. This percentage rises each year and will reach 100% from 2058 onward. Your tax rate in retirement is usually lower than during your working years, so you still come out ahead.
You do not have to contribute the maximum amount every year. Many self-employed professionals adjust their contributions based on their income. In a good year, contribute more. In a slow year, contribute less. That flexibility is one of the practical advantages over other pension products. If you are weighing your options, you might also want to look at other pension plans available in Germany.
Rürup vs Riester: which one fits you?
Both are government-supported pension plans, but they work differently. Here is the short version:
| Rürup (Basisrente) | Riester | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Self-employed, freelancers | Employees in statutory pension |
| Tax benefit | Up to €30,826 deductible (2026) | Up to €175/year subsidy + child bonuses |
| Payout | Monthly pension only, from age 62 | Up to 30% lump sum + monthly pension |
| Inheritable? | Spouse/children only (optional add-on) | Yes, to spouse or children |
| Seizure-protected? | Yes | Yes |
Not sure which one you need? Compare Riester pension plans here or use our calculator above to check your Rürup tax savings first.
How to compare Rürup pension plans
Enter your details
Age, income, and how much you want to contribute monthly.
Get offers
See personalized quotes from multiple German pension providers.
Compare costs
Look at fees, guaranteed pension amounts, and fund options.
Apply online
Pick the best offer and sign up directly. No paperwork mailing needed.
When comparing, pay attention to the guaranteed pension factor (how much monthly pension per €10,000 saved) and the effective costs (Effektivkosten). Lower costs mean more of your money actually goes toward your pension. Some providers offer fund-based Rürup plans with ETFs, which tend to have lower fees than traditional plans.
Frequently asked questions about Rürup pension
What is the maximum Rürup pension contribution in Germany for 2026?
You can contribute up to €30,826 as a single person. Married couples filing jointly can contribute up to €61,652. The full amount is 100% tax-deductible since 2023.
Who should get a Rürup pension in Germany?
It works best for self-employed people, freelancers, and high earners who want to reduce their tax bill. Unlike Riester, you do not need to pay into the statutory pension system to qualify.
Can foreigners and expats get a Rürup pension in Germany?
Yes. Any taxpayer in Germany can open a Rürup pension, regardless of nationality. You need a German tax ID and a registered address in Germany. The tax benefits apply as long as you pay income tax here.
When can I start receiving my Rürup pension?
The earliest payout age is 62 for contracts signed after 2012. You receive monthly pension payments for life. A one-time lump sum payout is not allowed by law.
What is the difference between Rürup and Riester pension?
Rürup offers tax deductions on contributions (up to €30,826 in 2026) and is ideal for self-employed people. Riester offers direct government subsidies (up to €175/year plus child bonuses) and is designed for employees in the statutory pension system.
How much tax can I save with a Rürup pension in 2026?
That depends on your tax rate. At the 42% rate, you save about €12,947 per year with the maximum contribution. At the top rate of 45%, you save up to €13,872.
Can I cancel or withdraw from my Rürup pension early?
No. Rürup pension is designed as a lifelong retirement product. You cannot cancel the contract or withdraw funds before the earliest payout age. This is the trade-off for the tax benefits and seizure protection.
Is the Rürup pension inheritable?
Not by default. If you die before retirement, the savings are usually lost. However, most providers offer an optional survivor benefit add-on (Hinterbliebenenrente) that covers your spouse and children under 25. This costs extra and reduces your pension slightly.
Ready to find your Rürup pension plan?
Use the free comparison calculator above. It takes about 2 minutes and you will see personalized offers with no obligation.
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Why compare Rürup pension providers?
Not all Rürup pension plans are the same. Providers differ in their fee structures, guaranteed pension factors, and investment options. Some charge high upfront commissions that eat into your returns over decades. Others offer low-cost ETF-based plans that keep more of your money working for you.
A comparison helps you spot these differences. Look at the Effektivkosten (effective costs) and the Rentenfaktor (pension factor). The pension factor tells you how much monthly pension you get per €10,000 of accumulated capital. Even small differences add up over 20 or 30 years.
Living in Germany as an expat means dealing with a lot of financial decisions at once. Beyond your pension, you might need to compare loan options, find the right credit card, or set up liability insurance. We cover all of these in English so you can make informed choices without needing to navigate German-only websites.