Rentenversicherung (pension insurance) is compulsory for employees in Germany. It finances current pensions through a pay-as-you-go system (Umlageverfahren).
Contribution 2026
- Contribution rate: 18.6% of gross salary
- Employee share: 9.3%
- Employer share: 9.3%
- Contribution assessment ceiling: 8,050 €/month (96,600 €/year)
Pension points (Rentenpunkte)
Each year of contributions earns pension points proportional to earnings. At the average salary (approx. 45,358 €/year in 2026) you earn exactly 1.0 point. Each pension point is currently worth approx. 39.32 €/month.
Sources: § 158 SGB VI, Deutsche Rentenversicherung.