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Germany Approves Draft ‘Aktivrente’ Letting Retirees Earn €2,000 a Month Tax-Free

The cabinet decision sends the bill to the Bundestag with a planned start in January 2026.

Overview

  • The scheme applies to people aged 67 and over in jobs subject to social insurance, excluding civil servants, the self-employed, tradespeople, and agricultural and forestry workers.
  • Earnings under the allowance will still incur employee and employer social-security contributions, which the finance ministry says will support health and pension systems.
  • The government estimates an initial annual revenue loss of about €890 million, while external assessments reported by outlets put the figure closer to €1.4–€1.7 billion.
  • Leaders present the measure as a response to demographic decline and labor shortages that are weighing on sectors such as construction, education and health.
  • Coverage highlights the political sensitivity of pension changes in Europe, noting France’s suspension of its 2023 reform until after 2027 under pressure.