A recent survey conducted by the Ifo Institute reveals that a significant portion of Germany’s self-employed and micro-entrepreneurs harbor concerns regarding the adequacy of their retirement provisions. The findings, released today, indicate that only 46 percent of those surveyed assess their current retirement planning as sufficient to maintain their living standards in retirement.
Approximately one-third (32 percent) feel their provisions are insufficient, while a further 22 percent remain uncertain. Ifo expert Katrin Demmelhuber emphasized the results highlight the importance of a targeted retirement strategy for the self-employed, even as many independently manage comprehensive plans.
The survey demonstrates a widespread propensity amongst this demographic to engage in varied and intensive retirement saving. A substantial 97 percent of respondents possess at least one form of retirement provision, with over three-quarters (78 percent) utilizing multiple models.
Capital-based investments, including investment funds, securities and real estate, are particularly prevalent. Insurance-based products, such as private pension and disability insurance, also feature prominently. Notably, nearly half of the self-employed (49 percent) hold entitlements to the statutory pension scheme, stemming from prior mandatory contributions.
Results also suggest a correlation between the diversity of retirement provisions and perceived financial security. “Self-employed individuals who combine multiple forms of retirement saving are more likely to feel adequately secured” Demmelhuber noted.
The survey, conducted in June 2025, included responses from nearly 900 sole proprietors and micro-businesses (employing fewer than nine people).
