How to Start Saving for Retirement in Your 30s in Germany: A Step-by-Step Guide

Many adults in their 30s in Germany feel behind when it comes to retirement savings. Between day-to-day expenses, rising rent, and inflation, retirement can seem like a distant goal. But here’s the truth:

Starting your retirement savings in your 30s is one of the smartest financial moves you can make—even if you start small.

This guide will walk you through how to start saving for retirement efficiently, realistically, and tax-smart in Germany. Whether you’re employed, self-employed, or freelancing, this proven system can help you build a strong foundation for future financial independence.

Why Your 30s Are a Critical Decade to Start Retirement Planning

Your 30s are typically when your income begins to stabilize and your financial responsibilities become more predictable. That makes it the perfect time to prioritize retirement. Here’s why:

Compound interest favors early starters: Saving in your 30s gives your money decades to grow.
Pension restructuring in Germany: Changes in the state pension system (gesetzliche Rente) mean younger generations need to take more responsibility.
More time to pick the right investment vehicles (like ETFs, Riester-Rente, or Rürup-Rente) based on flexibility and tax benefits.

Step 1: Understand the German Retirement System

Germany’s retirement system includes:

Statutory Pension (Gesetzliche Rentenversicherung): Mandatory contributions if you’re employed; payout replaces a portion of your pre-retirement income.
Company and Occupational Pensions (Betriebliche Altersvorsorge): Frequently offered by employers and often tax-advantaged.
Private Pension Plans (Riester & Rürup): Great options for tax savings and self-employed individuals.

Knowing which options apply to you helps guide your savings strategy.

Step 2: Calculate How Much You Need for Retirement

Use the “70% rule”: aim to replace 70–80% of your pre-retirement income annually. For example:

If you earn €50,000/year now, you’ll need about €35,000–€40,000 annually in retirement.

Multiply that by 25–30 (average retirement length) = ~€1M+ needed overall.

Fortunately, compound growth makes this achievable—even by saving €200–€500/month starting in your 30s.

Step 3: Start with Employer-Based Retirement Plans

Ask your employer about Betriebliche Altersvorsorge (bAV) options. These plans:

Are deducted directly from your salary (salary conversion)
Often include employer contributions
Reduce taxable income

If your employer doesn’t explain your bAV plan, push for clarity or consult with a financial advisor.

Step 4: Explore Private Retirement Plans (Riester and Rürup)

Riester-Rente: Ideal if you’re employed and eligible for child subsidies or tax breaks. Great for families and low to mid-income earners.

Government bonuses (up to €175/year + child bonuses)
Tax-deductible contributions (up to €2,100/year)

Rürup-Rente: Best fit for freelancers, self-employed individuals, and high-income earners:

Tax-deductibility on contributions (up to €26,528/year in 2024)
Built-in creditor protection

Both plans provide ways to make retirement savings tax-efficient and secure.

Step 5: Use ETFs or Robo-Advisors to Build a Flexible Portfolio

Don’t want to lock up your funds? Combine your retirement savings with a globally diversified ETF portfolio.

Open a low-cost brokerage (like Trade Republic, Scalable Capital, or ING Deutschland)
Set up a monthly investment plan for €100–€300 into a global ETF (i.e., MSCI World or All-Country World Index)
Consider robo-advisors like Quirion or Oskar for automated investment

This lets you grow wealth outside state or private pension products—with full flexibility.

Step 6: Automate Your Contributions

Consistency beats timing. Set up monthly direct debits—even for small amounts—to your retirement account.

Start with 10–15% of your net income
Use recurring calendar reminders every 6 months to increase your amount by €20–€50

This builds discipline and maximizes compounded returns.

Step 7: Track and Adjust Yearly

Once a year, review your progress:

How much have you saved?
Are your investments aligned with your target retirement year?
Can you increase your contributions?

Use free tools like Rentenlückenrechner (retirement gap calculators) provided by Deutsche Rentenversicherung.

FAQs

What’s a good amount to save for retirement in your 30s in Germany?

Aim to save 10–15% of your income. If that feels high, start with €100–€200/month and increase by €25–€50 annually.

Can I have a Riester and ETF account at the same time?

Yes. Many use Riester for tax benefits and ETFs for flexibility and higher growth potential.

Is it too late to save if I’m in my late 30s?

No. Starting now is still powerful—just be more intentional and possibly increase savings to 15–20% of income.

Should I use a financial advisor?

For tax-optimized strategies (especially with high income or self-employment), consult a certified fee-only advisor or Steuerberater.

Can freelancers save for retirement in Germany?

Yes—via Rürup pensions, private ETFs, and investing in globally diversified portfolios.

Conclusion: Begin Now, Grow Steadily

You don’t need to invest huge amounts to get started. The key is consistency, automation, and leveraging tax-efficient tools.

With a mix of Germany’s structured pension plans and modern flexibility (ETFs, robo-advisors), you can secure your future even if you’re starting at 30 or 39.

Take your next micro-step today—open an account, ask HR about bAV, or set a calendar reminder to automate your savings.