Apply for a standard old-age pension

You can submit your pension application in person, online or in writing.

If you wish to receive the decision in electronic form, you must first give your consent to electronic communication. You can do this by registering via the DRV online services.

Personal pension application:

• Arrange a personal appointment with the pension office (town hall) of your place of residence or with the DRV.
• When making an appointment online, your personal details and, if possible, your national insurance number will be required.
• You can select a counselling centre and your preferred date.
• Depending on the availability of free appointments and the expected duration of the consultation, you will receive a proposal for a binding consultation appointment.
• Book your preferred appointment. You will receive an e-mail telling you what you need for the consultation and which documents you should bring with you.
• At your appointment, your pension application will be recorded electronically and forwarded online to the relevant pension insurance provider.
• Your pension insurance provider will check your pension application. You will receive your pension notification by post or in your electronic mailbox at the DRV or by De-Mail.

Online application:

• You can also complete and submit your pension application online yourself.
• Go to the DRV website.
• Click on the "Online services" button at the top right of the page.
• Complete the questions on your application in full.
• Once you have answered all the required questions, the "Send data" button will appear. Click on it to send your application to the relevant pension insurance provider.
• A summary of your questions and answers will then be made available to you as a PDF document.
  • Note: If you have an identity card with electronic proof of identity, an electronic residence permit or a signature card with electronic signature function, this can be done completely online. Otherwise, please send the signature sheet by post.
• Your pension insurance provider will process your application. You will receive your pension notification by post or in your electronic mailbox at the DRV or by De-Mail.

Written pension application:

• Download the application form from the German Pension Insurance website.
  • Note: You can also collect the application form in person from information and advice centres, local authorities or insurance offices.
• Complete the application form electronically, print it out and sign it.
• Send your pension application by post to your pension insurance provider.
• Your pension insurance provider will check your pension application. You will receive your pension notification by post or in your electronic mailbox at the DRV or by De-Mail.