Question 1

Has the retirement savings account already been passed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Bundestag passed the pension reform act on 27 March 2026 and the Bundesrat approved it on 8 May 2026. The act was promulgated in the Federal Law Gazette on 29 May 2026 (BGBl. 2026 I No. 156). The new products may be offered from 1 January 2027. Which providers will offer which terms is not yet known (as of 24 September 2026).

Question 2

How high is the basic subsidy for the retirement savings account?

Accepted Answer

For every euro paid in up to 360 € a year the state adds 50 cents, and for every further euro up to 1,800 € a year 25 cents. The basic subsidy is therefore at most 540 € a year. The condition is an own contribution of at least 120 € a year (10 € a month). Contributions above 1,800 € up to the ceiling of 6,840 € are allowed but no longer subsidised.

Question 3

How does the child subsidy work?

Accepted Answer

For every child eligible for child benefit there is a subsidy of 1 € per euro paid in, at most 300 € per child and year (for children born after 31 December 2007; 185 € applies to older children). An own contribution of just 25 € a month is enough for the full child subsidy – for each child. With two children, 300 € of own contributions therefore attract 150 € basic subsidy plus 600 € child subsidy. One parent receives the subsidy, usually the one who receives child benefit.

Question 4

What is the career starter bonus?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who signs a retirement savings contract before their 25th birthday receives a one-off additional subsidy of 200 €. The calculator credits the bonus in the first savings year if your current age is below 25.

Question 5

Is there an additional tax benefit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, via the special-expense deduction. Own contributions up to 1,800 € plus the basic subsidy (at most 2,340 € together) can be claimed in the tax return. In a comparison check the tax office tests whether the tax saving exceeds the subsidy and refunds only the difference. With a marginal tax rate of around 30 % and the full contribution, that is roughly a few hundred euros a year. The calculator shows this amount separately because it goes to your bank account, not into the depot.

Question 6

When and how is the money paid out?

Accepted Answer

At the earliest on reaching age 65 (or when drawing a statutory old-age pension early). You can choose a payout plan running at least until age 85 or a lifelong annuity. Up to 30 % of the capital can be withdrawn as a lump sum at the start of the payout phase. Payouts are taxed later at your personal income tax rate.

Question 7

How high may the costs be?

Accepted Answer

A cost cap applies to the standard depot: effective costs may be at most 1.0 % a year. Other variants of the retirement savings account are not subject to this cap. Costs compound over decades – 0.5 percentage points lower costs can make a five-figure difference over 30 years. Try it out in the calculator with the cost slider.

Question 8

Who can open a subsidised retirement savings account?

Accepted Answer

Directly eligible are, among others, employees subject to statutory pension insurance and civil servants – and now also self-employed people with business or freelance income. Spouses or civil partners of eligible persons can be indirectly subsidised (basic subsidy at most 175 €). Existing Riester contracts are grandfathered; no new Riester contracts can be signed from 2027.

Question 9

Is the retirement savings account worth it compared with an ETF savings plan?

Accepted Answer

With small and medium contributions and especially with children, usually yes, because the subsidies make up a large share of the contribution. In return, the money is locked until at least 65 and the payout is fully taxed. A regular ETF savings plan remains available at any time but receives no subsidy. The calculator compares both routes after tax with the same own contribution, return and costs.

Guide: Retirement Savings Account Calculator

Retirement Savings Account 2027: Subsidies, Taxes and Payout Explained

Retirement Savings Account or a Regular ETF Savings Plan? The Honest Comparison

Child Subsidy in the Retirement Savings Account: How Families Get 300 € per Child

Keep Your Riester Contract or Switch to the New System? The Options from 2027

Payouts from the Retirement Savings Account: From 65, Until 85 and What Tax Takes

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