Overview
- People who work abroad can accrue pension entitlements in several countries and later apply in the country where they live.
- There is no combined pension, as each country calculates and pays its own share under national rules.
- EU/EFTA coordination currently covers 32 countries and allows aggregation of contribution periods, with a further 21 countries linked by bilateral social-security agreements such as with the USA, Canada, Japan and India; China and Ukraine are not covered.
- When EU law or a bilateral agreement applies, one application filed in the country of residence triggers the cross-border processing, while otherwise claims must be filed where the entitlements were earned.
- Eligibility and outcomes differ widely by system—Austria requires 15 contribution years versus 5 in Germany, some countries have higher contributions or return-dependent components, temporary postings often remain insured in Germany, and voluntary contributions can fill gaps or preserve protections.