Service Finder

back

Apply for compulsory insurance in the statutory pension insurance scheme as a self-employed person

Service Description

Compulsory insurance on application offers you the opportunity to acquire or maintain benefit entitlements in the statutory pension insurance scheme. Furthermore, as a self-employed person who pays compulsory contributions to statutory pension insurance, you can also take advantage of the state subsidy for the Riester pension.

In order to be able to pay compulsory contributions for your self-employed activity, you must apply for compulsory insurance in good time. This is only possible if your activity is not already subject to compulsory insurance in the statutory pension insurance scheme by law.

The date on which compulsory insurance begins depends largely on when you submit your application.

Even if you are initially only marginally self-employed, you must submit the application for compulsory insurance in good time. In these cases, compulsory insurance or compulsory insurance only begins after the end of the exemption from insurance due to the marginal employment.

You have the right to choose the amount of the contribution. You can choose between

  • half the standard contribution, which is limited in time
  • the standard contribution and
  • contributions in line with your income.

Once you have opted for compulsory insurance on application, you cannot cancel it again. It remains in force for as long as you are self-employed. Compulsory insurance only ends at the end of the day on which the conditions no longer apply. As a rule, this is when you give up your self-employed activity.

Process flow

You can submit your application online, in person or in writing.

Online application:

  • Please use the direct link contained in the "Welcome letter" or go to the German Pension Insurance website.
  • You will find detailed information on the process on the German Pension Insurance (DRV) website under "Online services".
  • If you follow the "Submit application" link, you will be guided through the next steps and can select the desired application.
  • Alternatively, you can use the online services with registration. For example, you can immediately see which insurance periods have already been recorded. You also save time and do not have to re-enter data you already know.
  • Complete the application in full and upload the required documents.
  • Submit your application online.
  • You will receive a confirmation of submission.
  • The responsible pension insurance provider will check your application.
  • You will receive notification of your application.

Personal application:

  • Compile the necessary documents for your application and make an appointment with the DRV.
  • When making an appointment online, your personal details and, if possible, your insurance number will be required.
  • You can select a desired advice center and your preferred date. Depending on the availability of free appointments, you will receive a proposal for a binding consultation appointment.
  • During your personal consultation, your application will be recorded electronically and forwarded online to the relevant pension insurance provider.
  • The responsible pension insurance provider will check your application.
  • You will receive a decision on your application.

Written application:

  • Go to the DRV website.
  • Download the required application form.
  • You can also collect the form in person from the information and advice centers.
  • Complete the application form, sign it and enclose the required documents.
  • Send all documents
    • by post to your pension insurance provider or
    • hand them in at one of the local advice centers.
  • The responsible pension insurance provider will check your application.
  • You will receive a decision on your application.

A person you trust can also submit your application on your behalf. Please submit a power of attorney to the pension insurance fund for this purpose. As long as the power of attorney is valid, the pension insurance company will only contact the person you have authorized.

If you give your consent to electronic communication, all correspondence can take place online. You can either use the electronic mailbox under the online services with registration or De-Mail.

Requirements

You are:

  • not only temporarily self-employed in the Federal Republic of Germany and
  • not already subject to compulsory insurance by law.

Which documents are required?

  • if available:
    • Business registration
    • Shareholders' agreement
    • Entry in the commercial register
  • Other documents showing the start of self-employment

What are the fees?

There are no costs for you.

What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?

Application Deadline: 5 Years
The insurance obligation must - within 5 years of taking up self-employment or - within 5 years of the end of compulsory insurance for the same activity. Compulsory insurance upon application begins - either on the day on which the conditions are met for the first time, if it was applied for within 3 months thereafter, - otherwise on the day following receipt of the application.

Processing duration

Processing usually takes 1 month.

Legal basis

Applications / forms

  • Contradiction.
    Detailed information can be found in the notice of assessment for compulsory insurance as a self-employed person.
  • Legal action before the social court.
    Detailed information can be found in the notice of objection.

Appeal

Forms available: Yes

Written form required: Yes

Informal application possible: No

Personal appearance necessary: No

Online services available: Yes

Further Information

Author

German Pension Insurance


Forwarding service: Deep link to the original portal

The text was automatically translated based on the German content.

Technically approved by

Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS)

Professionally released on

28.08.2022

Source: Zuständigkeitsfinder Thüringen (Linie6PLus)

Start your request directly online:

Competent Authority

Auskunfts- und Beratungsstellenfinder der Deutschen Rentenversicherung

WWW
Find a local information and advice center

Further Authorities