Pension from Germany and ZUS: EU Coordination, Taxes, and the Neubrandenburg Finanzamt Trap (2026)
Polish and German periods are summed up (only 5 years total required), one application in the country of residence (ZUS Opole handles PL-DE matters), and as of July 1, 2026, the pension point is worth 42.52 EUR (+4.24%). Traps include: German pensions are taxed in Germany (Neubrandenburg – service in Polish), banks will deduct 9% for health insurance, and the 13th/14th pension may be 'counted' towards German benefits.