Self-employed: eligible for the first time from 2027
The circle of eligible savers widens in 2027: self-employed people and freelancers, who could previously only save via a spouse, are directly eligible in the new system.
What applied so far
Riester was tied to compulsory statutory pension insurance: eligible were the compulsorily insured, civil servants and – indirectly – their spouses. Self-employed people without compulsory insurance (freelancers, traders, professions with their own pension chambers) were excluded unless the spouse was directly eligible.
What applies from 2027
- Directly eligible is anyone with unlimited income tax liability – including the self-employed.
- The same subsidy as for everyone: up to €540 basic allowance, child allowance, special-expense deduction up to €6,840 with a better-of test.
- Minimum contribution €120 per year; no minimum own contribution as a percentage of income any more.
Three typical starting points
| Situation | What applies |
|---|---|
| Self-employed, no Riester so far | Open an Altersvorsorgedepot from 2027; no transfer needed. For the category: the three categories. |
| Indirectly eligible via spouse, own Riester contract | The contract is grandfathered; from 2027 your own direct subsidy is possible. Transfer or continue under the general rules. |
| Formerly employed (with Riester), now self-employed | The old contract continues but, as a non-insured person, recently ran without allowances. Eligible again from 2027 – within the contract (if the provider offers the new scheme) or after transfer. |
Quick answers
As a self-employed person, can I continue my old Riester contract with allowances from 2027?
Yes, if the provider offers the new subsidy scheme within the contract – or after a transfer into an Altersvorsorgedepot.
Is there still a 4% minimum own contribution in the new system?
No. The minimum contribution is €120 per year; the allowance follows the contribution.
What you can check now
- Are you currently directly, indirectly or not at all eligible?
- Do you have an old Riester contract from employed times that continues without allowances?
- Do you already use a basic pension?
- Retirement Provision Reform Act (Altersvorsorgereformgesetz), Bundestag 27 March 2026, Bundesrat 8 May 2026, promulgated 26 May 2026 (BGBl. 2026 I No. 156)
- § 79 EStG as amended by the Retirement Provision Reform Act (eligible persons)
- Federal Ministry of Finance, FAQ on the reform of private pension provision
This page provides general information about statutory rules. It is not legal, tax or investment advice and makes no recommendation for any individual contract. For a personal assessment, consumer advice centres (Verbraucherzentralen) or licensed advisers are the right address – where to get advice.