Make the most of your Vermögenswirksame Leistungen with a savings plan
Your employer can pay up to €40 a month into a savings plan on top of your salary. We explain how it works and set it up for you free of charge, in English.
Free advice · We show you how to claim the benefits your employer offers
What are Vermögenswirksame Leistungen (VL)?
Vermögenswirksame Leistungen (also known as VL or VwL) are an additional benefit that some employers in Germany pay their employees on top of their salary. In English, the closest translation is capital-forming benefits or employee savings contributions.
Your employer transfers this amount directly into a savings plan in your name, up to a maximum of €40 per month. It doesn't reduce your gross or net salary: it's extra money your employer pays on top of what you already earn.
Important: this benefit isn't activated automatically. You have to submit a savings plan to your employer. If you don't, you lose that money every single month.
How does it work, step by step?
The process is simple, and we guide you through every step.
Check your employment contract
Look for the words vermögenswirksame Leistungen, VL or VwL in your contract. If they're there, your employer offers this benefit. The monthly amount will be stated there too.
Choose a savings plan
We help you pick the savings plan that suits you best. We work with Germany's leading savings providers and can access their offers quickly and efficiently.
Submit the plan to your employer
You hand the savings plan to your company's HR department. We prepare the paperwork with you, so the language barrier won't be a problem.
Your employer pays in every month
Each month, your employer transfers the amount stated in your contract straight into the savings plan, up to €40 per month. Your salary stays exactly the same.
"Success comes when your dreams are bigger than your excuses."
You can access the money whenever you need it
The money that builds up in your savings plan is yours. You can withdraw your assets whenever you need to, although bear in mind that tax may apply to the amount withdrawn.
If you leave Germany, you can sell the assets and have the proceeds transferred straight to your bank account.
We can advise you on choosing the right savings plan and guide you through the whole process. Our service is completely free of charge.
Request free adviceFrequently asked questions about Vermögenswirksame Leistungen
How do I know whether my employer pays this benefit?
If your employer offers this benefit, it must be stated in your employment contract. Look for the words vermögenswirksame Leistungen, VL or VwL. If you find them, your employer can pay this benefit into a savings plan for you. Get in touch and we'll advise you free of charge.
How much does my employer pay into the savings plan?
The amount is set out in your employment contract, next to the words vermögenswirksame Leistungen. It's usually between €24 and €40 per month. That amount is paid into the savings plan every month for as long as you work for the company.
Does this amount reduce my gross or net salary?
No. Your salary isn't affected at all. Vermögenswirksame Leistungen are an additional payment your employer makes on top of your regular salary.
Do I receive this money automatically with my salary?
No. To receive this benefit you need two things: first, you have to submit a savings plan to your employer. Second, the money isn't paid into your bank account but into that savings plan. Without a savings plan, you receive nothing.
How long will I receive this benefit?
As a rule, you receive it for as long as you work for the company. If you change jobs, you'll need to submit a new savings plan to your new employer, provided they also offer the benefit.
Can I withdraw the money from the savings plan?
Yes. You can withdraw the assets that have built up in your savings plan. Bear in mind that tax may apply to the amount, depending on when you cash it in.
I'm leaving Germany. What happens to the money in my plan?
You can sell the assets in your savings plan and have the money transferred directly to your bank account, whichever country you're in.
What if VL is in my contract but I never claim it?
If you don't submit a savings plan to your employer, the money simply isn't paid, and you lose it every month. It's a benefit you're entitled to, but you have to activate it yourself. We can help you do that free of charge.
Is Vermögenswirksame Leistungen in your contract?
Fill in the form and we'll check whether you're entitled to this benefit. We'll advise you free of charge on the steps to take so you start receiving this money every month.