Pension provision for notaries in Germany runs primarily through the Notarkasse (the notaries pension fund) and not through a chamber pension fund in the narrower sense. The Notarkasse in Munich and the Ländernotarkasse (state notaries pension fund) in Leipzig are public-law institutions under the Federal Notaries Act (Bundesnotarordnung). This guide explains which fund is responsible for whom, how the levies arise and what you need to clarify about the exemption from statutory pension insurance.
Short answer: Depending on your federal state, pension provision for notaries is handled by the Notarkasse in Munich or the Ländernotarkasse in Leipzig (section 113 BNotO). Benefits depend among other things on pensionable years of service, and levies follow a levy statute. Whether you are exempt from statutory pension insurance is decided by the German Pension Insurance under section 6 SGB VI. We name no fixed contribution amount (status: October 2026).
The most important points
- The Notarkasse and the Ländernotarkasse are the central bodies for notaries pension provision under section 113 BNotO.
- Notaries who work only as notaries and notaries who are also lawyers have different arrangements. Clarify beforehand which activity you pursue.
- Levies are based on a levy statute of the fund. You can request the current version.
- The law does not expressly mention the exemption from statutory pension insurance. It follows section 6 SGB VI and is checked case by case.
- The deadline for an exemption application is three months from the start of the duty, if you want it to take effect from that date.
Which fund is responsible for whom?
Responsibility follows state law and your activity as a notary. The table shows the typical constellations. The responsible fund confirms in writing which rules apply to you.
| Group | Pension provision | What to clarify |
|---|---|---|
| Notary only (Nur-Notar) | Notarkasse or Ländernotarkasse under section 113 BNotO | Responsible fund for your state and the levy statute |
| Notary who is also a lawyer (Anwaltsnotar) | Notarkasse for the office of notary, lawyers pension scheme for the legal practice | Agree the split with the fund and your bar association |
| Notary trainee (Notarassessor) | Notarkasse under section 113 para. 3 no. 2 BNotO for incapacity and surviving dependants | Request the benefit rules and levy duty in writing |
Which benefits does the Notarkasse provide?
Under section 113 para. 3 BNotO, the funds provide for former notaries in old age and in case of incapacity to hold office, for notary trainees in case of incapacity for service, and for surviving dependants. The amount depends on the pensionable years of service. The logic therefore differs from a contribution-based pension fund, and the length of your time in office plays a larger role.
How are the levies calculated?
Under section 113 para. 17 BNotO, the funds charge levies on notaries on the basis of a levy statute. The amount is set out in that statute and not in this guide. Before you take office, request the current version and ask for a calculation example.
Can I obtain an exemption from statutory pension insurance?
The exemption follows section 6 SGB VI. It requires compulsory membership in an occupational pension fund and a chamber, income-related contributions up to the contribution assessment ceiling, and benefits for reduced earning capacity, old age and surviving dependants. The Notarkasse is not named in the law. Whether and to what extent the exemption applies to your situation is decided by the German Pension Insurance Federal Office after review. Under number 1, the supreme administrative authority confirms the conditions first.
This is how to approach the review.
- Ask the fund to confirm in writing which benefits and contributions apply to you.
- Check whether the conditions of section 6 para. 1 sentence 1 no. 1 SGB VI are met and ask the pension insurance carrier about the procedure.
- Note the three-month deadline from the start of the duty. If the application is filed on time, the exemption takes effect from the date the conditions were met (section 6 para. 4 sentence 1 SGB VI).
When does the Notarkasse suit you, and when less so?
The Notarkasse suits notaries who want to tie their retirement provision to the office and who value benefits based on years of service. It suits you less if you want contributions closely tied to your income, or if you hold several activities in parallel, because responsibilities then overlap. A personal assessment before you take office is worthwhile: How we work.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay to two bodies as a notary who is also a lawyer?
That is possible, because the office of notary and the legal practice are provided for differently. The fund and your bar association agree how levies and contributions are split. Ask for the split in writing before you start.
Does the Notarkasse also cover notary trainees?
Yes. Under section 113 para. 3 no. 2 BNotO, the fund provides for notary trainees in case of incapacity for service and for their surviving dependants. The amount of the benefits depends on the pensionable years of service.
Does the Notarkasse replace disability insurance?
No. The fund provides an old-age provision with benefits in case of incapacity for service, but it does not replace private cover in individual cases. Compare benefits and health questions carefully before you sign a contract.
Who decides on the exemption from statutory pension insurance?
Under section 6 para. 3 SGB VI, the pension insurance carrier generally decides. Under numbers 1 and 2, the German Pension Insurance Federal Office decides after confirmation by the supreme administrative authority. Finality and legal remedies follow the Tenth Book of the Social Code.
Where can I find the statutes of the Notarkasse?
From the Notarkasse or the Ländernotarkasse. Request the current levy statute in writing so that you have the valid version and can compare it with the date you take office.
What to do now
- Clarify whether you will work as a notary only or as a notary who is also a lawyer.
- Ask the responsible Notarkasse or Ländernotarkasse for the current levy statute and the benefit rules.
- Check whether you can obtain an exemption from statutory pension insurance and note the three-month deadline.
- Discuss levies, crediting and cover with the fund and an adviser of your choice before you take office.
Related reading
- Planning Your Career During Your Studies: Steps From Semester One
- Disability Insurance for Students: Costs and Start
- Pension fund for tax advisers
- Pension fund for lawyers
Sources: Section 113 BNotO, Notarkasse and Ländernotarkasse (gesetze-im-internet.de, retrieved October 2026, in German); Section 6 SGB VI, exemption from compulsory insurance (gesetze-im-internet.de, in German).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
