Retirement information · Germany

Altersvorsorgedepot Germany: 2027 Guide in English

Understand Germany’s Altersvorsorgedepot, the 2027 rollout and the questions to check before comparing offers or changing an existing Riester contract.

Finanz2Go · Updated 28 October 2026 · General information

Start with the practical checks ↓Retirement guides

What is an Altersvorsorgedepot?

An Altersvorsorgedepot is part of Germany’s reformed subsidised private-retirement framework. It allows eligible investments without a contribution guarantee. It is not simply an ordinary brokerage account with a new name. The federal government says the new products are due to become available from 1 January 2027. Existing Riester contracts do not automatically end or convert. Source: federal government reform overview.

As of 28 October 2026: this page explains preparation for the new framework. It does not compare live provider offers or promise that you can open a particular account today.

What should you compare?

Question	Evidence to request
Am I eligible for support?	The applicable eligibility rules and the provider’s written explanation for your circumstances.
What can I invest in?	The actual investment list, restrictions and default portfolio.
What could it cost?	The full product information, including administration, investment and transfer charges.
When can I access the money?	The retirement payout rules and the consequences of any earlier withdrawal.
What happens if I move abroad?	Written servicing information and advice on tax treatment in both countries.

Standarddepot and ordinary investment account

The BMF describes a Standarddepot as a simplified version with statutory defaults and a 1.0% cap on annual effective costs. That is a specific product rule, not a promise about every retirement depot or every investment cost. The subsidised framework also differs from a freely accessible investment account in its funding and payout conditions. Source: BMF reform FAQ.

Already have a Riester contract?

Compare keeping the existing contract with any proposed change. The BMF describes protection for existing contracts and options to change the subsidy framework or transfer into a new contract. Changes can involve costs. A general reform announcement is not enough to judge whether switching helps you. Use the existing-Riester checklist.

Your practical checklist

Tick the checks you have completed. Entries are not saved or submitted.

List existing retirement contracts and collect the latest statements.
Separate your accessible savings from money you can commit to retirement.
Request product-specific fees and payout terms when an offer is available.
Compare keeping an existing contract with changing it, using the same assumptions.
Resolve eligibility and cross-border questions before signing.

Keep the comparison fair

Write down the same contribution, saving period and investment assumptions for each alternative. Show costs separately from any subsidy or tax effect. Do not compare a guaranteed pension with a projected investment balance as if both were guaranteed cash amounts.

Our pension-versus-investment-account guide helps organise that comparison. The ETF calculator is a separate illustrative investment model; it does not calculate Altersvorsorgedepot subsidies or payout rules.

Sources checked for this update

Finanz2Go is an information portal. We do not offer personal financial advice or arrange these products. Use qualified advice for an individual tax, insurance or cross-border decision.

Editorial policy · About Finanz2Go · Explore a pension-gap scenario