Introduction
The Retirement Savings Account (RSA – Altersvorsorgedepot) will launch on January 1, 2027, offering state subsidies for private retirement planning. There are two variants: a self‑managed account (choose your own ETFs) and a standard account (the provider selects two ETFs – one low‑risk, one higher‑risk). Only funds/ETFs with limited risk are allowed – no individual stocks, crypto, or leveraged ETFs.
Subsidy Components
- Allowances: Up to €540 per year (50 % on the first €360 contribution, 25 % on the next €1,800). Additionally: child allowance of up to €300 per child and a €200 starter bonus for those under 25. Minimum contribution: €120 annually.
- Tax savings: Contributions (max. €1,800 + allowances) are tax‑deductible. The tax refund is reduced by the allowance already received.
- No capital gains tax: During the accumulation and payout phases, no tax is levied on capital gains or reallocations.
Four Key Factors for Profitability
- Tax in the payout phase: The entire payout (contributions + allowances + returns) is taxed at your personal income tax rate. Advantageous if your tax rate in retirement is lower than during your working years.
- Child allowance: Up to €300 per child per year – a clear advantage over a regular ETF savings plan.
- Costs: Still uncertain. Standard account has a cost cap of 1 % p.a. Self‑managed accounts are expected to cost around 0.5 % p.a. (some brokers may offer it for free). Sparkassen and Volksbanken are likely to be more expensive.
- Flexibility: The money is locked in until retirement. The earliest payout start is age 65 (or earlier if you qualify for state pension earlier). By age 70 at the latest, a payout plan must begin, lasting at least until age 85. A one‑time lump sum of 30 % is possible at retirement (be aware of tax shock). Early termination requires repaying all allowances and tax benefits.
RSA Calculator & Recommendation
The video introduces a free online calculator that compares the RSA against a regular ETF savings plan. Key parameters: income during accumulation phase, income in retirement, children, expected return, and costs.
Bottom Line: The RSA is worthwhile if
- your tax rate in retirement is lower than today,
- you choose a low‑cost provider,
- you can accept limited flexibility, and
- you have children.
Warning: There is a current “gold rush” – many providers are already collecting data. Do not register or open an account prematurely. Wait until concrete offers (including costs and ETF selection) are available from January 1, 2027. Switching providers within the first five years may cost up to €150.