Unconfuse your finances.
Build a financial plan around the life you want.
Whether you are building your future in Germany or already thinking about your next move, your finances should support the life you want to lead.
German pensions · International wealth management · Managed portfolios
At Unconfuse, we believe in listening first. The product should fit the client—not the client fit the product. That’s why we offer a varied range of options and connect you with specialists who start with your needs, priorities and plans.
RETIREMENT IN GERMANY
Four ways to plan for retirement
Germany offers several pension arrangements with different tax benefits, funding rules and access to your money. The right choice depends on your work, income and long-term plans—not just the tax saving.
Private pension
Privatrente
Build personal retirement income with pension insurance. Qualifying contracts can offer favourable taxation on benefits, with investment and payout choices depending on your policy.
Basisrente
Also known as Rürup
A personal pension with tax-deductible contributions within annual limits. Often considered by self-employed people and higher earners who want to build lifelong retirement income.
Occupational pension
Employer-based bAV
Build retirement benefits through your employer, with possible employer contributions and tax advantages. Compare the scheme, deductions and what happens when you change jobs.
Altersvorsorgedepot
The new pension option
From January 2027, the new framework introduces subsidised retirement investing without a compulsory capital guarantee. Eligibility, investment choices and payout rules will matter.
Look beyond today’s tax benefit: compare charges, future taxation, access to your savings and what happens if you leave Germany.
LIFE ACROSS BORDERS
International wealth management
Your life moves.
Your financial plan should be ready.
Germany may be your home today without being your home forever. You might move for work, return home or retire somewhere completely different. Your investments should consider those possibilities from the beginning.
International planning brings your investments, pensions and currencies into one wider picture. A suitable arrangement may let you retain investments after a move, rather than close accounts and start again.
For internationally mobile clients, the real attraction is continuity: building wealth towards your goals while planning for the country and currency in which you may eventually need it.
What could your international plan include?
Regular savings and
lump-sum investing
Invest monthly towards retirement, education or another long-term goal, or invest existing capital. International providers offer plans and platforms with different currencies and fund choices. The product determines how you can change contributions or withdraw money.
A short stay in Germany can still be part of a long-term investment plan. Your specialist should check whether you can keep the arrangement, continue contributing and receive ongoing support in your next country, with costs and access clearly explained.
Investment structures and
cross-border pensions
International investment bonds are generally insurance-based structures holding investment funds—not ordinary fixed-interest bonds. They can support long-term investing and beneficiary planning, with taxation depending on residence and the contract.
Existing overseas pensions belong in the picture too. A specialist can review them and, where relevant, UK options such as SIPPs. Compare costs, benefits and your retirement plans before making changes. Keeping an existing pension may be the right decision.
Portability needs checking. Keeping an account, making new contributions, receiving advice and retaining the same tax treatment are separate questions. Your destination, citizenship and provider rules all matter. An offshore location does not make an investment tax-free.
SUPPORT FOR US-CONNECTED CLIENTS
American or connected to the US? You have options.
Living in Germany shouldn’t mean putting your financial future on hold. US citizens and other people with US tax obligations may need specialist help to find suitable savings and investments.
Find a suitable
investment route
Unconfuse works with partners who help US-connected clients find suitable investments, considering your US obligations, European residence and financial goals.
European investments can bring extra US tax and reporting obligations, including potential PFIC treatment. A specialist can help assess your options before you invest.
Bring your US and
European plans together
Unconfuse works with partners who coordinate with US-licensed professionals where needed, bringing your US investments, retirement assets and European plans into one wider picture.
Investment advice and tax advice have different roles. Our partners work within their remit; a qualified tax professional should address your personal tax and reporting position.
INVEST REGULARLY. PLAN LONG TERM.
Managed portfolio savings
You don’t have to pick every investment yourself. Managed portfolio savings means contributing regularly—or investing a lump sum—into a portfolio selected around your goals, time horizon and ability to accept losses.
A portfolio built
around your goals
Your specialist selects investments around your goals and time horizon, using options such as funds, ETFs, shares and bonds. Diversification spreads exposure across markets. Your circumstances and ability to accept losses guide the balance, but risk remains.
Our partners can explore model portfolios and bespoke services, from cautious to more adventurous approaches. Each has different objectives and levels of risk. Your specialist explains the choices and costs; none guarantees your capital or a return.
Ongoing management,
with a clear process
Agree how much you want to invest, what access you need and how the portfolio will be reviewed. Depending on the service, changes may be recommended for your approval or made by an authorised manager under an agreed mandate.
Our partners can explore platforms with a choice of currencies, funds, shares and ETFs. Available options depend on where you live. US-connected investors need suitable arrangements that take their tax status into account, with specialist support.
Start with a
comfortable contribution
Build investing into your monthly budget while keeping money available for everyday needs and unexpected costs. Check minimum contributions, flexibility and any charges for stopping or withdrawing.
Understand the
complete cost
Ask for the combined cost of advice, the platform, portfolio management and underlying investments. Compare these with suitable alternatives and understand how performance and risk will be reported.
Investing involves risk. Values can fall as well as rise, and you may receive less than you invested. Portfolios described as cautious can still lose money. Structured products have specific conditions, issuer risk and possible limits on early access.
A NETWORK THAT GIVES BACK
Up to €500 towards your visa costs
Qualifying private pension insurance and Basisrente/Rürup arranged through the Unconfuse network can bring up to €500 per eligible person towards eligible visa services. We pay a participating relocation or visa-support partner directly.
The contribution can cover eligible invoices within 12 months of the qualifying policy’s start date. It is once per person, rather than per policy, and unused amounts are not paid in cash.
Important: Support can begin by agreement with the partner, but the contribution remains provisional until the first premium is paid and Unconfuse receives its referral fee. If you cancel before both conditions are met, the participating partner will invoice you for services already provided that would otherwise have been covered.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Financial planning, made clearer
Which route should I start with?
Start with what you want to achieve, when you need the money and where you expect to live. German pensions, international arrangements and investment portfolios can serve different purposes and may complement one another.
Can I keep investing if I leave Germany?
Often there are options, but the answer depends on the account, your destination and tax status. Check retention, new contributions, withdrawals and ongoing advice before committing to an arrangement.
Do you provide the financial advice?
Unconfuse helps understand your needs and makes introductions. Your chosen specialist provides advice, explains the available services and fees, and remains responsible for their recommendations.
Are German tax benefits right for everyone?
No. Your income, eligibility, residence and future plans matter, as do product costs and later taxation. US-connected clients need both local and US implications considered before choosing a product.
KEEP LEARNING
Financial planning articles
Why Riester fell short—and what the Altersvorsorgedepot changes
A fresh start for retirement saving from January 2027. Explore the new investment choices, the standard depot’s cost ceiling and what removing a compulsory guarantee means for your future.
FIND YOUR NEXT STEP
Let’s bring your financial plans together.
Tell us where you are today and what you want your future to look like. We’ll arrange a conversation, understand your priorities and connect you with a suitable specialist.
General information, reviewed 3 October 2026. Product availability and tax treatment depend on personal circumstances and can change. Further information: German pension reform.