Social security and health insurance

Health insurance is compulsory; pension contributions and a possible refund if you leave Germany.

Health insurance

• Employees and trainees are insured in statutory health insurance (§ 5 SGB V). Contributions are shared with the employer.
• Before you start work or study you need private incoming insurance; for the Opportunity Card it must cover at least €30,000 (checklist).
• Students: statutory student insurance after enrolment, about €120 to €130 a month (not confirmed).

Pension

Employees pay into the German statutory pension. There is no social security agreement with Hong Kong: the Germany–China agreement of 2002 (pension and unemployment insurance only) excludes Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan (TK), so periods in the MPF and in Germany are not added together. If you leave Germany, you can apply for a refund of your own contributions once at least 24 calendar months have passed since compulsory insurance ended and you have no right to voluntary insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung).

Leaving Hong Kong: Taxes and MPF.