{"id":1779292578,"date":"2026-06-30T09:09:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T09:09:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/uncategorized-en-us\/switching-from-riester-to-the-altersvorsorgedepot-how-it-works\/"},"modified":"2026-09-24T10:54:05","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T10:54:05","slug":"switching-from-riester-to-the-altersvorsorgedepot-how-it-works","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/what-is\/switching-from-riester-to-the-altersvorsorgedepot-how-it-works\/","title":{"rendered":"Switching from Riester to the Altersvorsorgedepot: how it works"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"article\">\n<p class=\"avd-lead\"> From 2027, all <a href=\"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/what-is\/riester-pension-vs-altersvorsorgedepot-germanys-state-subsidized-retirement-investment-account-switch-or-stay\/\">Riester savers<\/a> may transfer their contract into a modern <a href=\"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/what-is\/altersvorsorgedepot\/\">Altersvorsorgedepot<\/a> account. Allowances and tax advantages remain in place, costs are capped and switching is voluntary. When it pays off and when it does not. <\/p>\n<aside class=\"avd-callout tldr\">\n<p><strong>The key points at a glance:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Switching provided for by law from 1 January 2027<\/li>\n<li>Maximum \u20ac150 fee in the first 5 contract years<\/li>\n<li>Allowances and tax advantages remain in place<\/li>\n<li>Transfer typically takes 8 to 12 weeks<\/li>\n<li>Usually not worthwhile for old contracts with a high guaranteed interest rate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<section id=\"was-bringt\">\n<h2>What does switching achieve?<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Better return potential.<\/strong> The old Riester contract usually carries a 100% contribution guarantee and therefore invests heavily in low-interest bonds. The Altersvorsorgedepot allows a freely chosen ETF share.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Lower costs.<\/strong> Riester contracts often have 1.5 to 2% <a href=\"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/what-is\/reduction-in-yield-riy-in-the-altersvorsorgedepot-what-you-need-to-know\/\">Reduction in yield<\/a>, ETF default standard products in the AVD are at 0.3 to 0.7%.<\/li>\n<li><strong>More flexibility.<\/strong> Drawdown plan to age 85 or life annuity, instead of only a life annuity.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Higher subsidy.<\/strong> \u20ac540 basic allowance instead of the \u20ac175 Riester basic allowance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Inheritable.<\/strong> Remaining capital on death before retirement goes to the heirs instead of being partly forfeited.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"wann-lohnt\">\n<h2>When is switching worth it?<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Contract from <strong>2012 or later<\/strong> with a guaranteed interest rate below 1.75%.<\/li>\n<li>At least <strong>15 years<\/strong> until the start of retirement.<\/li>\n<li>High ongoing costs (reduction in yield above 1.2%).<\/li>\n<li>A wish for a <strong>higher equity share<\/strong> or your own choice of ETFs.<\/li>\n<li>Contract with a low remaining balance (the effort of switching pays off faster).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"avd-callout zwischenfazit\">\n<p><strong>When is switching worth it?<\/strong><br \/>Switching is worthwhile for modern Riester contracts with high costs and a long remaining term.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<section id=\"wann-nicht\">\n<h2>When is switching rather not worthwhile?<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Old contract with a <strong>guaranteed interest rate of 3.25% or 2.75%<\/strong> (contracts before 2012). You will not get rates like that today.<\/li>\n<li>Less than <strong>5 years<\/strong> until the start of retirement; the effort no longer pays off.<\/li>\n<li>Grandfathering for ongoing Wohn-Riester arrangements.<\/li>\n<li>Very low contract costs and a good ETF selection (rare, but possible).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"avd-callout\"><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Before switching, request the <strong>statement of accrued value<\/strong> from your old provider and compare the reduction in yield with the new offer. The difference shows whether switching adds up.<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"anleitung\">\n<h2>Step-by-step instructions<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Choose a new provider.<\/strong> Compare the reduction in yield, ETF selection and minimum contribution of the various Altersvorsorgedepot providers.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Submit a transfer request to the new provider.<\/strong> This form is provided to you by the new provider and is sufficient; a separate cancellation with the old provider is not needed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Request a certificate of holdings<\/strong> from the old provider (mandatory information).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sign the transfer request<\/strong> and send it to the new institution, done.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Wait.<\/strong> The transfer typically takes 8 to 12 weeks.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Issue a new allowance application.<\/strong> The permanent allowance application has to be signed again with the new provider, otherwise the allowances stall.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"kosten\">\n<h2>Costs and deadlines<\/h2>\n<table class=\"avd-table\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Aspect<\/th>\n<th>Rule<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Switching fee, old provider<\/td>\n<td>max. \u20ac150 in the first 5 contract years, \u20ac0 thereafter<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Switching fee, new provider<\/td>\n<td>typically \u20ac0<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Processing time<\/td>\n<td>typically 8 to 12 weeks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Transfer of the allowances<\/td>\n<td>complete, no loss<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Transfer of the tax advantage<\/td>\n<td>complete, no subsequent taxation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Cancellation of the old contract<\/td>\n<td>not necessary, the provider transfers directly<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"nach-wechsel\">\n<h2>What happens after the switch<\/h2>\n<p> The entire balance from the old contract (contributions + allowances + earnings) is transferred into the new Altersvorsorgedepot, where it continues to be subsidized as before. The <a href=\"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/what-is\/basic-allowance-in-the-altersvorsorgedepot-up-to-e540-per-year-from-the-state\/\">basic allowances<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/what-is\/child-allowance-in-the-altersvorsorgedepot-e300-per-child-per-year\/\">Child allowances<\/a> you have received so far are retained in full. <\/p>\n<p> If you have used a <a href=\"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/what-is\/special-expenses-deduction-in-the-altersvorsorgedepot-e1800-plus-allowance-entitlement\/\">special expenses deduction<\/a> over the years, that too remains unchanged; there is <strong>no subsequent taxation<\/strong>. Only future contributions follow the new, higher AVD subsidy amounts. <\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section id=\"personas\">\n<h2>Examples<\/h2>\n<div class=\"avd-persona\">\n<p><strong>Jens, 38, Riester contract since 2013, \u20ac15,000 balance.<\/strong> Reduction in yield 1.4%, planned remaining term 29 years. Switching to the ETF default standard product with a reduction in yield of 0.5% brings around \u20ac28,000 more capital over 30 years; the \u20ac150 switching fee is recouped within a few months.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"avd-persona\">\n<p><strong>Renate, 58, Riester contract from 2003, guaranteed interest rate 3.25%.<\/strong> At that guaranteed rate, very hard to beat, plus only 7 years of remaining term. Switching is probably not worthwhile; the old contract stays.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"avd-persona\">\n<p><strong>Sabine &amp; Tom, both 30, Wohn-Riester for a shared home.<\/strong> Special case: Wohn-Riester is not supported in the Altersvorsorgedepot. Here the existing Riester contract remains the better route.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"avd-faq\" id=\"faq\">\n<h2>Frequently asked questions about switching<\/h2>\n<details>\n<summary>Do I have to cancel with my old provider?<\/summary>\n<p>No, you instruct the new provider to carry out the transfer. The rest happens in the background.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Do I lose my allowances when I switch?<\/summary>\n<p>No, they are transferred in full to the new securities account.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>What happens to my guaranteed interest rate?<\/summary>\n<p>It lapses with the switch. That is why old contracts with a high guaranteed rate are hard to beat.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>How long does the transfer take?<\/summary>\n<p>Typically 8 to 12 weeks. During this time the balance is dormant; new contributions should only be made once the transfer is complete.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Can I reverse the switch?<\/summary>\n<p>No, the switch is final. So run the numbers carefully beforehand.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Which switching fee is permitted?<\/summary>\n<p>A maximum of \u20ac150 in the first 5 contract years, and nothing at all after that. Higher fees are not permitted.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<details>\n<summary>Do I get the career starter bonus retroactively when I switch?<\/summary>\n<p>No. The <a href=\"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/what-is\/career-starter-bonus-e200-free-for-young-savers\/\">career starter bonus<\/a> applies only to first contracts taken out before your 25th birthday. Switching an existing contract does not count.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"avd-callout zwischenfazit\">\n<p><strong>When am I better off staying?<\/strong><br \/>With a guaranteed interest rate of 3.25% from old contracts, grandfathering usually remains the better choice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"avd-weiter\">\n<h2>Keep calculating and reading<\/h2>\n<p class=\"avd-weiter__rechner\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/altersvorsorgedepot-calculator-extended\/\">Altersvorsorgedepot calculator Plus<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 calculate the subsidy, tax advantage and final balance for your own situation.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"avd-weiter__links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/what-is\/riester-pension-vs-altersvorsorgedepot-germanys-state-subsidized-retirement-investment-account-switch-or-stay\/\">Riester pension<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/what-is\/switching-providers-transfer-instead-of-terminating\/\">Switching provider<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/what-is\/reduction-in-yield-riy-in-the-altersvorsorgedepot-what-you-need-to-know\/\">Reduction in yield<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"avd-weiter__zielgruppe\">Related content: <a href=\"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/altersvorsorgedepot-from-50\/\">Altersvorsorgedepot from 50<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"avd-weiter__lexikon\">All terms at a glance: <a href=\"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/what-is\/altersvorsorgedepot-glossary-all-terms-from-a-to-z\/\">Glossary from A to Z<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"avd-sources\">\n<h2>Official sources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bundesfinanzministerium.de\/Content\/DE\/FAQ\/reform-der-privaten-altersvorsorge.html\" rel=\"external nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">BMF, FAQ on the reform of private retirement provision<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/dserver.bundestag.de\/btd\/21\/040\/2104088.pdf\" rel=\"external nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Bundestag printed paper 21\/4088 (PDF)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.verbraucherzentrale.de\/wissen\/geld-versicherungen\/altersvorsorge\/neues-altersvorsorgedepot-rentenchance-oder-teure-verkaufsfalle-118178\" rel=\"external nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Verbraucherzentrale, the Altersvorsorgedepot assessed<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How switching from a Riester contract to the Altersvorsorgedepot works from 2027: requirements, costs, timeline, transfer of the allowances, with a step-by-step guide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_metasync_otto_title":"","_metasync_otto_description":"","_metasync_otto_keywords":"","_metasync_otto_og_title":"","_metasync_otto_og_description":"","_metasync_otto_twitter_title":"","_metasync_otto_twitter_description":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"","_aioseo_title":"","_aioseo_description":"","_metasync_seo_title":"","_metasync_seo_desc":"","_metasync_breadcrumb_title":"","_metasync_primary_category":0,"_metasync_primary_product_cat":0,"_metasync_otto_disabled":"","_metasync_hreflang":"","_metasync_plugin_sync_ts":"","_metasync_robots_advanced":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[68],"tags":[69,73,72,71,83],"class_list":["post-1779292578","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-what-is","tag-altersvorsorgedepot","tag-basic-allowance","tag-child-allowance","tag-reduction-in-yield","tag-riester-pension"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1779292578","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1779292578"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1779292578\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1779292578"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1779292578"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/altersvorsorgedepot-anbieter-vergleich.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1779292578"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}