Money, taxes and retirement
Bank accounts, taxes, saving, investing, and pensions and benefits from two countries.
Topics in this section
Newest guides (5)
Pension from Multiple Countries: Map of Poland's Social Security Agreements (2026)
Poland has 13 active bilateral social security agreements, ranging from the former Yugoslavia to Belarus, with agreements with Albania and Japan ratified but not yet in effect.
Taxes Between Germany and Poland: Tax Classes, Tax Refunds, and Double Taxation (2026)
German salary is exempt in Poland (exemption with progression – the MLI convention has not changed this!), and without Polish income, you do not file a PIT at all.
Pension from Germany and ZUS: EU Coordination, Taxes, and the Neubrandenburg Finanzamt Trap (2026)
Polish and German periods are summed up (only 5 years in total are needed), 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: the German pension is taxed in Germany (Neubrandenburg – service in Polish), the bank will deduct 9% for NFZ, and the 13th/14th pension may be 'counted' towards German benefits.
Kindergeld and Family Benefits from Germany When Children Live in Poland: EU Coordination and 800+ (2026)
Kindergeld of 259 EUR/month is also available for children in Poland – EU priority rules determine whether Germany pays the full amount or a differential supplement above 800+. Step-by-step application to Familienkasse (Steuer-ID, children's PESEL, SED/EESSI exchange), Elterngeld, Kinderzuschlag, and the reformed basic benefit from July 1, 2026.
Bürgergeld in Germany – what it is, who qualifies, amounts, how to apply (2026)
Bürgergeld (since 2023, replacing Hartz IV / ALG II) is a German social benefit for working-age individuals (15-67) who are capable of work but have low income.