Each expat situation is unique and requires a bespoke and individual approach to planning, using the best local and international solutions available. A good place to start is right here! Take a look through the FAQ’s below to find out whether the services we can offer at MW Invest are right for your needs.

The German state pension scheme (Gesetzliche Rentenversicherung) is the cornerstone of pension planning in Germany. With the increasing life expectancy and aging population, there’s a need to pay for this increasing number of pensioners. That’s why the German government is actively encouraging its inhabitants towards private pension planning by a system of mostly tax subsidised, insurance-based solutions:

• Multiple pension product solutions
• Significant tax and subsidy benefits
• Guaranteed return on investments available
• Large and secure providers
• All products regulated by the German authorities
• All advice covered by our Professional Indemnity Insurance

Unfortunately, very few expats realise that they can also take advantage of these benefits whilst living and working in Germany.

The average stay in Germany for expats is 8.5 years, many stay longer or even permanently. As such, it is very important that your adviser has the licensing and knowledge to be able to advise on both local (German) solutions as well as international investments and products. We often speak with expats that were only advised on international solutions by their current adviser, resulting in many missed years of tax benefits from the German system that would have made a significant difference to the final outcome. At MW Invest we have a different approach.

What sets MW invest apart from most international advisers is that we have both German and international licensing. Our advisers therefore have the knowledge and experience to be able to clearly explain the merits of both local and internationals solutions, offering truly holistic financial advice for expats residing in Germany. Once the expat is made fully aware of the features and benefits of each option, we then walk them through the steps of setting up their own bespoke plan.

MW Invest will provide personalized guidance and full explanations on how the German fiscal system can work in your favour. Wherever you are paying taxes, it makes sense to fully understand what that tax system can do for you in return. Unfortunately, it is no easy task for the expat to find clear advice in Germany that encompasses both local and international solutions; this is where MW Invest can assist.

For example: an expat living in Germany earning 120,000 per year, married with a spouse, (+ other details as relevant) and looking to save EUR 1,000 each month for the future, would be eligible for at least EUR 350 every month in tax relief, were the money to be invested in a tax-efficient German retirement savings product. 

The average expat in Germany stays for more than eight years, so over this period this particular expat will enjoy a total tax saving of EUR 34,272. Compare this to saving the same amount from net (taxed) earnings and it is clear that the impact on the overall retirement plan is significant, especially when also taking into account compound growth on the accumulating capital.*

At MW Invest we especially understand the needs of the expat resident in Germany. The advice process factors in all important considerations such as household income, spouses and dependents, expected length of stay, possible future relocations, existing investments and appetite for risk, which enables us to provide a tailormade and tax-efficient solution for each and every client.

*The above figures showing taxation and benefit levels may vary depending on your personal situation and specific tax rates. For exact figures regarding your personal tax situation please contact your qualified German tax adviser.

Our service fully continues once our expat client leaves Germany, whether this is to relocate to another place in the world or to return to their home country. Video calls for review meetings will continue to take place at the same frequency as when the expat was resident in Germany, and any changes, withdrawals or administrative matters can be easily handled online, wherever you are in the world.

The service support from international product providers is specifically geared towards globally-mobile clients and for local German solutions, we only work with large well-known financial institutions. All of this provides peace of mind knowing that your money remains safe, regulated and in good hands, wherever you move to in the future, with MW Invest always on hand to guide and support you every step of the way.

Basically everyone. Whether you are an EU citizen, a US national or from outside of Europe, we are familiar with the challenges faced by expats of all nationalities and can offer a full financial planning service, looking at both local and international solutions as appropriate.

We mainly give advice in English, German, Spanish, Italian and Hindu.

The initial meeting is always free of charge. Thereafter you will be fully informed of any charges relating to a product or fee before being presented with any actual costs. You adviser will make all possible fees clear at the initial consultation, no unpleasant surprises!

Contact us today for a free and confidential initial consultation. We can work with face to face meetings, although most client prefer using video calls (Zoom, Teams, etc.) for the initial discussion.