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Company pension: vesting when changing jobs

Anyone who provides for their retirement through the employer wonders, when changing jobs, what remains of the company pension. Decisive is 'vesting': if the statutory requirements are met, you keep the acquired entitlement even after leaving.

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Your chances of getting your money back

An employer-financed company-pension entitlement remains after leaving if the statutory requirements for vesting are met (§ 1b BetrAVG), among other things a minimum age and a minimum duration of the commitment.
Contributions that you pay in yourself via salary conversion are immediately vested. The acquired entitlement can often be continued with the new employer or left dormant.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the commitment

    See which form of company retirement provision exists and since when it has existed.

  2. 2

    2. Clarify vesting

    Check whether the statutory requirements (age, duration) are met.

  3. 3

    3. Request information

    Ask the employer or pension provider for written information on the amount of the entitlement.

  4. 4

    4. Check a transfer

    Clarify whether you want to take the entitlement with you, continue it or leave it dormant.

How to spot the scam

  • You are told the company pension lapses completely on the change.
  • There is no written information on the amount of the entitlement.
  • Amounts you paid in yourself are meant to lapse, although they are immediately vested.

Frequently asked questions

Do I lose the company pension if I resign?

Not if the entitlement is vested. Employer-financed entitlements are preserved once the statutory requirements under § 1b BetrAVG are met. Amounts paid in yourself via salary conversion are immediately vested.

What does vesting mean?

Vested means that the company-pension entitlement acquired up to leaving is preserved for you, even if you leave the employer before retirement age. You then receive the benefit proportionally later, once the pension event occurs.

Can I take the company pension to the new employer?

Often yes. Depending on the implementation route, you can transfer the entitlement, continue it with the new employer or leave it dormant with the old provider. Have the options and the amount confirmed in writing before you decide.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.