Practical guide
Pensions in Germany: documents to prepare
Source text as of 2 September 2026 · General information
The type of pension determines the forms and evidence. Identity, insurance number, health insurance and contribution history are important for every application.
Documents and information to prepare
- German pension insurance number and any Romanian or other overseas insurance numbers
- ID or passport
- IBAN and BIC
- Steuer-ID
- Health insurer details and health insurance periods
- Insurance history (Versicherungsverlauf) and evidence for missing periods
- Employment, education, unemployment, illness and child-raising records
- For reduced earning capacity pension: treating doctors, hospital stays, treatments, medical reports and rehabilitation discharge records
- For a widow’s or widower’s pension: marriage and death certificates and the deceased person’s pension details
Important to know
Deutsche Rentenversicherung recommends applying for a retirement pension about 3 months before the desired start date.
Official sources and forms
Deutsche Rentenversicherung document checklistApplying for a pensionThis guide provides general information. The institution or provider may request additional documents depending on your circumstances.