Timeline: what you can do in 2026, what only works from 2027 – and the two dates that matter

The calendar is shorter than it looks: nothing can be transferred before 1 January 2027. After that there is no deadline you can miss. Two dates matter nonetheless.

Until 31 December 2026

• Possible: read your statement, determine costs and transfer value, ask your provider about option 3, pre-register with providers that offer it (some brokers are already collecting interested customers for Riester transfers).
• Not possible: open an Altersvorsorgedepot, transfer a balance, receive the new subsidy. The law applies from 1 January 2027.
• New Riester contracts: only until 31 December 2026. Anyone who wants a Riester contract with a contribution guarantee can only sign one this year.

From 1 January 2027

• Altersvorsorgedepots can be opened. Expect high demand and system load at providers around the turn of the year.
• The transfer can be requested at the new provider. Typical processing times for provider switches have been two to six weeks; reliable figures for the new procedure will only exist after the start.
• The new subsidy flows for contributions from 2027, applied for via the standing allowance application at the new provider.

The two dates that matter

1. The start of the payout

Anyone who enters the payout phase before 1 January 2027 stays in the Riester logic: at most 30% as a lump sum, the rest as a lifelong annuity. Anyone who starts the payout after a transfer into an Altersvorsorgedepot can choose between a drawdown plan (at least until 85), a lifelong annuity and a combination with a lump sum. For savers close to retirement this is the most important date. Separate page.

2. The transfer year

The transferred capital is not subsidised again in the year of the transfer. Ongoing contributions into the new account are subsidised in the same year. The point in time within 2027 does not change this; it only prevents the old capital from being counted twice.

Quick answers

Can I open the account in 2026 already?

No, providers may only offer Altersvorsorgedepots from 1 January 2027. Pre-registrations are expressions of interest, not account openings.

By when must the transfer be requested?

There is no deadline. The transfer is possible permanently from 2027.

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.