State pension contribution - this cannot be refunded, but once you reach retirement age, you can apply for it in the given country across Europe.

Private pension contribution - the conditions differ from one insurance company to another, but it should be noted that if these contributions are refunded, the right to state contributions resulting from excess insurance over and above the obligations may be extinguished.

Severance pay - these contributions are paid by the employer and are mandatory in the same way as the state contributions. Contributions can be refunded in a one‑time payment, and only for non‑EU residents. The process can be started 5 years after the end of employment (i.e. if you worked in Austria until 1st of May, 2024, you will be able to claim contributions from 1st of May, 2029).

State contributions are not refundable. Anyone who has paid at least 180 months of state pension contributions in Austria and has reached the retirement age of 65 for men and 60 for women (the retirement age applies in 2023) can apply for a pension in Austria.

Only non‑EU residents can apply for a refund of their severance pay. EU residents will draw their contributions when they reach retirement age, so there is no refund.

You will need the following documents to  your severance pay:

• work contract,
• ID (ID card / passport),
• the name of the insurance company with which you are insured.

Anyone who has been contributing to a private pension can apply for it. The process varies depending on which company you are insured with. There is a possibility that you will lose the state contributions associated with this insurance by getting a refund. Both EU resident and non‑EU resident can claim a refund.