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

If you are self-employed and do not pay contributions, you may lose any benefit entitlements you have already acquired under the statutory pension insurance scheme. You can prevent this by applying for compulsory insurance.

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Procedure details

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

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

The point in time at which compulsory insurance begins depends largely on the point in time at which you submit your application.

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

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

  • half the standard contribution, which is limited in time
  • the standard contribution and
  • income-related contributions.

Once you have opted for compulsory insurance on application, you cannot cancel it again. It remains in force as long as you are self-employed. The obligation to insure ends only at the end of the day on which the conditions cease to apply. As a rule, this is when you cease to be self-employed.

You are:

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

  • Required Documents
    • if available:
      • Business registration
      • Shareholders' agreement
      • Entry in the Commercial Register
    • other documents showing the beginning of the self-employed activity

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

Online application:

  • Please use the direct link included in the "Welcome Letter" or go to the Deutsche Rentenversicherung website.
  • On the website of the German Pension Insurance (DRV) under "Online Services" you will find detailed information on the process.
  • If you follow the link "Submit application", you will be guided through the further steps and can select the desired application.
  • Alternatively, you can use the online services with registration. For example, you can see right away 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 institution will review your application.
  • You will receive a decision on your application.

In-person application:

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

Written application:

  • Go to the DRV's website.
  • Download the application form you need.
  • You can also pick up the form in person at the information and advice centers.
  • Complete and sign the application form and attach the required documents.
  • Send all documents
    • send it by mail to your pension insurance provider or
    • hand it in at one of the local advice centers.
  • The responsible pension insurance institution will review your application.
  • You will receive a decision on your application.

A person you trust can also submit your application on your behalf. For this purpose, please submit a power of attorney to the pension insurance company. 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 be done online. Either use the electronic mailbox under online services with registration or De-Mail.

There are no costs for you.

The obligation to insure must be - within 5 years after the start of the self-employed activity or - within 5 years after the end of compulsory insurance based on the same activity. The obligation to insure on application begins - either on the day when the conditions are first met, if it is applied for within 3 months thereafter, - otherwise on the day following the receipt of the application.

Processing usually takes 1 month.

  • Objection.
    Detailed information can be found in the notice of assessment for compulsory insurance as a self-employed person.
  • Complaint to the social court.
    Detailed information can be found in the notice of objection.

Status: 09.03.2025
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales
Source: Federal Portal