How to transfer unemployment benefits within the EU (to and from Germany)

Transferring your unemployment benefits between Germany and another EU/EEA country or Switzerland is possible under EU coordination rules, as defined in sections 61 to 65 of Regulation (EC) 883/04.

All it takes is a bit of planning before you are leaving the country.

Here is a concise guide and let me know if you have any questions in the comments section. I answer all questions.

If you’re transferring unemployment benefits to Germany from another EU country:

1. Check eligibility
   • You must be receiving unemployment benefits in your home country.
   • You must have been registered as unemployed for at least 4 weeks before departure (some exceptions may apply; check with your local authority).
2. Apply for permission to export benefits
   • Ask your home country’s unemployment office to issue the U2 form (formerly E 303).
   • Request the form before leaving.
3. Register in Germany
   • Make sure to register residence in Germany (Anmeldung).
   • You must register as a jobseeker with the local Agentur für Arbeit within 7 days of the date you ceased to be available on the job market in your previous country.
   • As soon as you have your Anmeldung appointment booked (even if it’s a few days away), call or email the Agentur für Arbeit to inform them of your arrival and intent to register as a jobseeker.
   • Explain the timing issue and ask them to log your contact as a preliminary jobseeker registration.
   • They may allow you to begin the process and finalize it once you submit your Meldebescheinigung (residence certificate), which you receive after the Anmeldung.
   • Submit your U2 form and identification documents.
4. Start job seeking immediately
5. Maintain regular contact
   • Attend appointments and meet all obligations set by the employment office.
   • Notify them of any changes (e.g., if you return home early).
6. Duration of benefit transfer
   • Benefits can be transferred for up to 3 months, extendable to 6 months with prior approval.

If you’re transferring unemployment benefits from Germany to another EU country:

1. Ensure eligibility
   • You must be entitled to Arbeitslosengeld (unemployment benefits) in Germany.
   • You must have been registered for at least 4 weeks unless permission is granted to leave earlier.
2. Apply for permission to export benefits
   • Notify the Agentur für Arbeit of your plan to look for work abroad.
   • Request the U2 form at least 7 days before departure.
3. Register in the destination country
   • Do this within 7 days of leaving Germany.
   • Submit your U2 form and required documents.
4. Comply with local requirements
5. Transfer duration
   • Benefit export lasts up to 3 months, extendable to 6 months with approval.
6. Return to Germany if needed
   • If you don’t find work and your benefit period ends, you can return and continue your entitlement if conditions allow.

Is it possible to transfer unemployment to/from Germany in countries outside the EEA/EU?

The only other bilateral agreement to transfer unemployment benefits is the one between Germany & Turkey. The process looks similar to what is detailed above:

1. Request U1 form from Agentur für Arbeit (proves German insurance periods).
2. Submit it to İŞKUR in Turkey to help qualify for Turkish benefits.
3. Must have contributed in Germany for at least 12 months.

or

1. Get proof of Turkish insurance periods from SGK.
2. Submit to German Agentur für Arbeit when applying for ALG I.
3. Germany counts Turkish insurance periods towards benefit eligibility.

Additional tips

• Keep documents safe: Make copies of your U2 form and correspondence.
• Don’t delay registration: Late registration can result in benefit loss.
• Language support: Some German offices may English-language assistance *ask ahead(.

Sources and references

• European Union. (n.d.). Transferring unemployment benefits. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/work/social-security-and-benefits/transferring-unemployment-benefits/index_en.htm
• EU Gleichbehandlungsstelle. (n.d.). FAQ – Unemployment. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://www.eu-gleichbehandlungsstelle.de/eugs-en/eu-citizens/frequently-asked-questions/faq-unemployment-1916804
• Bundesagentur für Arbeit. (n.d.). Bezug von Arbeitslosengeld bei Arbeitssuche im Ausland [PDF]. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/datei/fw-internationales-recht-alv-bezug-von-arbeitslosengeld-bei-arbeitsuche-im-ausland_ba038381.pdf