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How does the Altersvorsorgedepot work?

State support, difference to an ETF portfolio and payout – explained simply.

Written by Anahita

From 1 January 2027, there is the Altersvorsorgedepot (AVD): a retirement savings portfolio supported by the state. Here you can find out how much state support you get, how the AVD differs from a regular ETF portfolio and when your money is paid out.

How much state support do I get?

With the Altersvorsorgedepot (AVD), the state adds money to your own contributions every year. Here you can find out how the support works and how much you can expect.

How the basic subsidy works

The state support works in two tiers:

  • Tier 1: For the first €360 you pay in per year, the state adds 50 cents per euro. That is up to €180.

  • Tier 2: For everything above that up to €1,800 per year, you get 25 cents per euro. That is up to €360.

In total, you get a maximum of €540 in subsidies per year.

Examples:

You pay monthly

Per year

Subsidy per year

€10

€120

€60

€30

€360

€180

€50

€600

€240

€100

€1,200

€390

€150

€1,800

€540

Additional support

  • Child bonus: up to €300 per child per year.

  • Starter bonus: a one-time €200 if you sign up before your 25th birthday.

Good to know

  • Minimum contribution: To receive the state support, you need to pay in at least €120 per year, which is €10 per month.

  • Maximum contribution: You can pay in up to €6,840 per year. However, the subsidy does not increase beyond €1,800.

Calculate it yourself

With our subsidy calculator, you can see in seconds how much state support you could get with your contribution.

What is the difference to an ETF portfolio?

In both cases, you can invest your money in ETFs, for example. Still, there are important differences. Here is an overview.

Altersvorsorgedepot

Regular ETF portfolio

State subsidies

Yes, up to €540 per year plus child bonus

No

Taxes while saving

No taxes on gains

Taxes on gains and income

Access to your money

From age 65 (earlier possible, but the state support usually has to be paid back)

Any time

Contributions

At least €120, at most €6,840 per year

Freely selectable

Payout

Monthly as a pension or payout plan, up to 30% at once

Freely selectable

In short

With the Altersvorsorgedepot, you get support from the state. In return, your money is tied up until retirement. A regular ETF portfolio is more flexible, but is not supported by the state.

When and how is the money paid out?

The Altersvorsorgedepot (AVD) is meant for your retirement. That is why there are fixed rules for the payout.

When do I get my money?

  • At the earliest: at 65, or from the point at which you receive a statutory old-age pension earlier.

  • At the latest: the payout must start at 70.

Within this range, you choose the start yourself.

How is the money paid out?

You can choose between two options:

  • Lifelong pension: You receive a fixed amount every month for the rest of your life.

  • Payout plan: You receive monthly payments that run at least until you turn 85.

Can I have everything paid out at once?

No. At the start of the payout, you can have up to 30% of your balance paid out at once. The rest is paid out monthly.

Can I access my money before 65?

That is possible. However, you will then usually have to pay back the state support you received.

How is the payout taxed?

The payouts in retirement are taxed at your personal tax rate. For most people, this is lower in retirement than during their working life. For your personal situation, please talk to your tax advisor.

This article is for information only and does not replace tax or investment advice.

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