Life Certificate - "Lebensbescheinigung"

Once a year the insurer of your pension requires a certificate from each recipient n to prove that he/she is still alive.

Therefore, every year a form called „Lebensbescheinigung“ (life certificate) is mailed to all recipients of pensions.

These forms have to be filled out and if applicable, updated (new address, re-married etc.).

The life certificate then can be notarized by a notary public and be mailed directly to the proper pension insurer in Germany.

Note: A notarization or certification by a consular officer is not necessary.

The recipient can still sign the life certificate in front of a consular officer (Embassy/Consulate General), however, it is not mandatory, since the certification by a notary public (for example at your bank) is sufficient.

If, for any reason, you did not receive your annual life certificate form, please contact your insurer directly.

Neither the Embassy nor the Consulates General can be of assistance in that matter.

Please make always sure that your insurer has your latest address in order to avoid unnecessary delays or even a temporary hold of your pension payments, because of a missing life certificate.