Allowances & subsidies

1. 01Employer top-up for workplace pensionsIf you convert part of your salary into a workplace pension, your employer usually has to add 15%, as far as it saves social security contributions (§ 1a (1a) BetrAVG). Many employers voluntarily pay more.
2. 02Capital-forming benefits (VL)Many employers pay a monthly amount towards your savings. Up to a taxable income of €40,000 (€80,000 for joint assessment), the state adds the employee savings allowance: 20% on up to €400 a year in fund savings plans, 9% on up to €470 for building society savings.
3. 03Riester allowancesIf you are eligible and pay into a Riester contract, you receive a basic allowance of €175 a year and up to €300 for each child eligible for child benefit. Whether it pays off depends heavily on costs and the contract.
4. 04Child benefitIn 2026, child benefit is €259 per child per month. Part of it can be invested for your child early on.
5. 05Conditions for students and career startersSome insurers offer special starting conditions for students and trainees, for example for occupational disability insurance.
6. 06Tax incentivesContributions to certain retirement products can be tax-deductible; for rental properties, expenses and depreciation may count under the legal requirements. A tax adviser clarifies the details.

As of October 2026, simplified and without guarantee. Whether and how much support you receive depends on your personal situation. Tax questions are clarified by a tax adviser.