Account without guarantee
Your money is in many companies. It can grow strongly – but it can also shrink.
New from 2027
What is changing about saving for old age?
Germany has passed a new law. Here is what it says, in simple words.
Passed – but it only applies from 2027
The law is finished and published. The new rules apply from 1 January 2027. Until then, the old scheme (“Riester”) still applies.
FixedIt is written in the law.
ComingApplies only from 2027.
Still openNobody knows yet.
- The government proposes the law.
- The Bundestag (parliament) agrees.
- The Bundesrat (federal council) agrees.
- The law is published.
- The new rules start.
- A few further parts start.
Three ways
How you can save from 2027
Standard account
Two ready-made baskets to choose from. Costs at most 1% a year. Can be opened online.
With guarantee
In the end at least 80% or 100% of what was paid in is there. In return it usually grows more slowly.
Money from the state
If you save, you get something on top
In the past there was a fixed amount and a complicated calculation. Now: the more you save, the more the state adds – up to a limit.
| You save per year | no child | 1 child | 2 children |
|---|---|---|---|
| €120 (€10 a month) | €60 | €180 | €300 |
| €300 (€25 a month) | €150 | €450 | €750 |
| €360 (€30 a month) | €180 | €480 | €780 |
| €600 (€50 a month) | €240 | €540 | €840 |
| €1,200 (€100 a month) | €390 | €690 | €990 |
| €1,800 (€150 a month) | €540 | €840 | €1,140 |
Examples according to the law for someone who is eligible. Not a promise for your case.
| Until now (to end of 2026) | New (from 2027) | |
|---|---|---|
| Top-up | €175 a year, a fixed amount | 50 cents, then 25 cents per euro – at most €540 |
| For children | €185 or €300 per child | As much as you save – at most €300 per child |
| How much must I save? | 4% of last year's income | At least €120 a year |
| Who can take part? | Mainly employees and civil servants | Now also self-employed people |
| Guarantee | Always 100% | You choose: none, 80% or 100% |
Good to know
Four more fixed rules
65
From this age you get the money
The payout must start by age 70 at the latest.
30%
can be paid out at once
You get the rest month by month.
€150
is the most a switch may cost
In the first 5 years. After that, switching to another provider is free.
€6,840
is the most you may pay in per year
Into one state-supported contract.
Do you already have a Riester contract?
Then nothing happens for now. Your contract carries on. From 2027 you may switch to the new rules. But be careful: the switch applies to all your contracts and cannot be undone.
This is still open
- Whether and when there will be a standard account directly from the state.
- Which providers will be there at the start and what they cost.
- A few details the authorities still have to set.
Further reading
New from 2027
The retirement savings account (Altersvorsorgedepot)
The retirement savings account is like a savings account for old age in which your money is put into many companies. That way it can grow more strongly – but it can also become less.
5 min read
Money from the stateUnderstanding the state subsidy
If you save for old age, the state adds money on top. Here you can see how much.
6 min read
New from 2027What happens to existing Riester contracts?
If you already have an old savings contract for your old age, you can simply keep it. From 2027 you may switch to the new rules – but then there is no way back.
5 min read
New from 2027Payout phase and taxation
When you are old, you get your saved money back bit by bit. You have to hand over part of what you then receive to the state as tax.
5 min read
Investing moneyGuarantees and their effects
A guarantee promises you that a fixed part of the money you paid in will safely be there at the end. In return, your money can usually grow less strongly.
4 min read
New from 2027Frequently asked questions about the reform
From 2027, new rules apply to saving for old age. Here you will find short answers to the questions that are asked most often.
4 min read
How we know this
- Gesetz zur Reform der steuerlich geförderten privaten Altersvorsorge (Altersvorsorgereformgesetz) vom 26. Mai 2026
Bundesgesetzblatt, BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 156 · accessed on 11 October 2026 - Bundestag beschließt das Altersvorsorgedepot
Deutscher Bundestag, Textarchiv · accessed on 11 October 2026 - Fragen und Antworten: Private Altersvorsorge reformiert
Presse- und Informationsamt der Bundesregierung · accessed on 11 October 2026 - Altersvorsorge-Reformgesetz
Deutsche Rentenversicherung · accessed on 11 October 2026 - Häufige Fragen (FAQ) der Zentralen Zulagenstelle für Altersvermögen
Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund – Zentrale Zulagenstelle für Altersvermögen (ZfA) · accessed on 11 October 2026 - Einkommensteuergesetz (EStG), §§ 10a, 79–99 in der bis 31. Dezember 2026 geltenden Fassung
Bundesministerium der Justiz – Gesetze im Internet · accessed on 11 October 2026
Last compared with the text of the law on 11 October 2026. All sources and how we calculate
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