Pensions and Bituach Leumi when you move to Germany
What happens to your Bituach Leumi, pension fund and keren hishtalmut when you leave Israel, and what waits for you in Germany.
✓ Checked against the sources: October 2026⚠️ This isn't pension, financial or tax advice. Before any withdrawal or change, talk to a licensed pension advisor or an accountant who knows Israel and Germany.
Bituach Leumi while you live abroad
People who leave Israel usually stay registered as residents for the first five years, unless Bituach Leumi decides otherwise or you ask to end your residence.
While you're a resident you keep paying. With no income, the minimum contribution is ₪266 a month (from 1.1.2026), which keeps your rights to benefits and your health insurance.
Source: Bituach Leumi: who counts as an Israeli resident (Hebrew) · Bituach Leumi: paying contributions abroad (Hebrew)
There is a social security agreement between Israel and Germany
The agreement has been in force since 1.5.1975, and Germany is on Bituach Leumi's list of agreements. Insurance periods in both countries can be combined to qualify for a pension, but each country pays its own pension based on the periods there. Check which branches it covers, and on what terms, with both institutions.
Source: Bituach Leumi: list of agreements (Hebrew) · Deutsche Rentenversicherung: Sozialversicherungsabkommen
🔒 3 more sections in this guide
- 💼 Pension funds, managers' insurance and keren hishtalmut
- 🌍 Tax on pensions under the treaty
- 🇩🇪 Your pension in Germany
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