Part 2 · Case studies
Altersvorsorgedepot 2027: which strategy for your profile?
You know the rules of the new Altersvorsorgedepot. The real question remains: how much should you pay in, and is it really worthwhile in your situation? Here are five worked profiles, a checklist for January 2027 and the mistakes to avoid.
If you're new to the topic, start with part 1: Altersvorsorgedepot 2027: the complete guide.
Case 1 · Aïcha, 22, apprentice
Aïcha can only put in €25 a month (€300 a year). This is exactly where the Altersvorsorgedepot is most generous: on the first €360, the state adds 50 cents per euro, i.e. €150 a year. As she opens her account before 25, she also receives a one-off €200 bonus.
Result at 65: about €60,400 net, versus €45,800 with a classic ETF account, for €12,900 paid in from her own pocket.
My advice: open the account in 2027 so as not to miss the bonus, even with a small amount, then increase contributions as her salary grows.
Case 2 · The Mbarga family, two children aged 3 and 6
The parents are 32. One of them pays in €50 a month (€600 a year). The basic subsidy is €240, and each child eligible for Kindergeld brings up to €300: €840 a year in total, i.e. €1.40 from the state for every euro paid in.
Result at 65: about €85,500 net, versus €49,400 with a classic account. Over the period, the state contributes about 16 000 € for €19,800 paid in.
My advice: for a family, the Altersvorsorgedepot is almost unbeatable. Check who receives the Kindergeld: that parent usually receives the child subsidy. Both parents can also each open an account to collect two basic subsidies.
Case 3 · Serge, 40, executive taxed at 42%
Serge pays in the subsidised maximum: €150 a month (€1,800 a year). He receives €540 in subsidies. Thanks to the tax deduction, the Finanzamt also refunds him about €443 a year on his tax return.
Result at 65: about €95,800 net in the account, versus €86,600 with a classic account. This calculation doesn't include the €443 refunded each year: by reinvesting it in an ETF savings plan, the gap grows further.
My advice: pay in exactly €150 a month into the Altersvorsorgedepot, and invest the rest of his savings in a flexible ETF account, available at any time.
Case 4 · Nadia, 35, self-employed
Until now, Nadia wasn't eligible for Riester. With the reform, self-employed people not subject to compulsory pension insurance become eligible. She pays in €150 a month, receives €540 in subsidies and about €162 in tax refunds per year (30% marginal rate).
Result at 65: about €135,600 net, versus €122,000 with a classic account, i.e. a top-up of about €565 a month from 65 to 85.
My advice: for a self-employed person without a compulsory pension, it's a basic building block. It isn't enough on its own: it must be complemented by flexible savings.
Case 5 · Jean-Paul, 30, thinking of moving to Canada
Jean-Paul lives in Germany but is considering settling in Canada in five years. Paying in €150 a month, he would receive €540 a year, i.e. €2,700 in subsidies over five years.
If you leave the EU or EEA, subsidies and tax advantages must as a rule be repaid, as with Riester. A deferral is sometimes possible, but nothing is automatic.
My advice: if moving outside the EU is likely, favour a classic ETF account, flexible and transferable, or limit yourself to a small contribution. Take stock before committing.
Summary
| Profile | Contribution | State / year | Net at 65 | Classic ETF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aïcha, 22 | €25 / month | €150 + €200 bonus | ≈ 60 400 € | ≈ 45 800 € |
| Family, 2 children | €50 / month | 840 € | ≈ 85 500 € | ≈ 49 400 € |
| Serge, executive 42% | €150 / month | €540 + €443 tax | ≈ 95 800 € | ≈ 86 600 € |
| Nadia, self-employed | €150 / month | €540 + €162 tax | ≈ 135 600 € | ≈ 122 000 € |
| Jean-Paul, planning to leave | avoid | to be repaid | – | better suited |
Your checklist for January 2027
- Set your amount. At least €10 a month to be subsidised; above €150 a month, the excess is no longer supported.
- Compare providers. Look at total fees, the choice of ETFs and the ability to change contributions.
- Choose your option. Standard account (two funds, fees capped at 1%), self-managed account with your ETFs, or a guaranteed product if you prefer security.
- Apply for the subsidy. The provider has you sign the application; check it also covers your children.
- Riester: transfer, don't cancel. Open the new account and let the new provider collect your savings.
- Keep flexible savings on the side. Money in the Altersvorsorgedepot is locked until 65.
Questions to ask your bank
- What are the total annual fees, all-inclusive?
- Which ETFs can I choose, and can I change my allocation free of charge?
- Can I pause or reduce my contributions?
- How does a transfer to another provider work?
- What happens if I move to another country?
3 mistakes to avoid
- Paying in less than €10 a month: no subsidy is paid.
- Thinking everything is subsidised: the basic subsidy stops at €1,800 a year.
- Cancelling your Riester contract yourself: you would lose the subsidies already received.
Educational examples with fictional characters. They do not constitute personalised investment or tax advice. Rules known as of 31 October 2026, subject to change with implementing texts.
Sources: cash-online · biallo · vorsorgedepot-lotse