Sometimes people taking German widow's pension and living in Germany decide to return to Poland for various life reasons. German widow's pension paid by Deutsche Rentenversicherung must then be transferred accordingly. In such a situation, the question then arises as to how to properly make the transfer of a German widow's pension to Poland? How to make downloading German widow's pension was not limited to ATM card withdrawals? How to register with a doctor in Poland while remaining insured thanks to the German widow's pension on the same terms as other Polish residents?
In this practical guide, we explain whether the German widow's pension after relocation, what are the procedures for transferring the benefit and what formalities need to be fulfilled in order to continue to enjoy full social security in Poland.
Will I keep my German widow's pension when I move to Poland?
In accordance with EU legislation on coordination of social security schemes (Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009), pensions paid by Deutsche Rentenversicherung (DRV) can be transferred to another EU country - including Poland -. without loss of entitlement to benefit.
This means that after a permanent move to Poland, the widow's pension will be paid in the same amountas was granted in Germany. It is worth recalling that a similar German pension on other grounds, which is also transferable between EU countries.
How to transfer a German widow's pension to Poland step by step?
1. notification of change of residence
When you move to Poland, you have a statutory obligation to inform the German DRV authority of your change of address. You should:
- prepare written notification including name, insurance number (Versicherungsnummer), previous address in Germany and new address in Poland (usually special forms are used for this)
- indicate the date of the movewhich will allow the institution to correctly adjust the benefit payment
2. request for transfer of benefit to a Polish account
In the application or separate application, you should:
- ask for transferring an annuity to a Polish bank account giving full details: IBAN and BIC/SWIFT
- fill out special bank form and present it to a Polish bank to confirm the account details and the account holder
- specify whether you want the funds to be made in euros or converted to zlotys (in practice, transfers are usually made in euros and the amount converted at the bank exchange rate)
3. cooperation with international institutions
You have two options to apply for a benefit transfer:
- directly to the DRV - quicker path, but requires knowledge of German
- through Polish ZUS acting as a liaison body - ZUS assists in the transmission of documents and verifies the correctness of data, but the procedure through this route often takes several months
4. Confirmation and updating of data
- The DRV shall send confirmation of change of address - make sure correspondence arrives at your new address
- Remember to update your contact details promptlywhen changes occur (e.g. change of account number, change of name)
What are the benefits of transferring a German widow's pension to Poland?
Advantages of benefit transfer:
- Retention of full benefit - after moving to Poland, the widow's pension remains at the level determined in the German decision, without automatic reduction
- Full social protection - thanks to EU regulations, you have guaranteed social rights wherever you live in the EU
- Possibility of combining benefits - a German widow's pension does not preclude you from receiving Polish benefits such as a survivor's pension (if you meet the relevant conditions)
It is worth noting that similar rules also apply to other benefits, including Kindergeld and German pensionwhose coordination is subject to EU rules.
What challenges do I face in transferring my pension?
The transfer of an annuity also presents some challenges:
- Administrative procedures - the need to comply with numerous formalities and to notify a change of address
- Currency fluctuations - a benefit paid in euros may cause the amount in zloty to fluctuate depending on the exchange rate (a solution may be to open a foreign currency account in euros)
- Taxation issues - Tax on a German pension is levied in Germany according to the regulations there. After the transfer to Poland, you will not be subject to additional PIT in Poland, but it is worth verifying your tax obligations in Germany
How to secure health care with a German pension in Poland?
A key practical issue for German widow's pension recipients in Poland is access to healthcare:
- Form S1 - if you are receiving a German pension and wish to access the Polish health care system, you should obtain form S1, which allows you to register with the National Health Service and receive health care at German expense
- Registration with the National Health Service - with the S1 form, you should visit a branch of the NFZ in order to be entitled to health care services on the same principles as persons insured in Poland
- Ongoing contact with the DRV - ensure that all documents and confirmations are correctly translated (if necessary) and regularly update your details with the German pension authorities
What can you do to avoid having your German pension withheld?
The transfer of a German widow's pension to Poland is governed by EU regulations, so you retain the full amount of your benefit, regardless of the change of country of residence. To avoid problems with your payment, remember to:
- Timely notification of change of address to the German pension authority
- Accurate completion of all forms concerning the transfer of benefit
- Responding to correspondence on a regular basis with the DRV, including forms confirming that you are still alive (Lebensbescheinigung)
- Indication of correct bank details and their updating in the event of changes
Completing these formalities will avoid the withholding of benefits until the situation is clarified with both the German and Polish insurers.
If you need individual consultation on the transfer of a German widow's pension or have other questions about international social security benefits, please do not hesitate to contact our experts.
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