The German pension scheme for architects (Versorgungswerk für Architekten) is the old-age provision of the architects’ chambers, and it is organised by federal state. Employed architects face a particular question: without an exemption from statutory pension insurance, they pay into two systems for the same job. This guide explains the rules based on the guidance of the Architektenkammer Niedersachsen (February 2024) and the law.
Short answer: Architects belong to professions with pension schemes that generally exist per federal state. Employees should apply for exemption, according to the guidance of the Architektenkammer Niedersachsen (February 2024), to avoid double contribution duties. An application filed within three months of the start of employment takes effect from that start. Last updated: October 2026.
The Essentials at a Glance
- Organisation: According to the Bundestag research paper (June 2025), architects belong to the professions with schemes that generally exist for each federal state and profession.
- Employees: Without exemption, double contribution duties can arise. The guidance therefore recommends applying for exemption.
- Deadline: The application takes effect from the start of employment if filed within three months.
- Scope: The exemption covers only the specific employment. A change of employer requires a new application.
- Contributions: The amount is set in the bylaws of your scheme. The chamber guidance gives no contribution rates.
Which Professions Are Affected?
The guidance of the Architektenkammer Niedersachsen does not address architects alone. It explicitly also names interior architects, landscape architects, urban planners and junior members. If you work in one of these groups, check the rules of your own chamber, because responsibility and bylaws differ between states.
Why Exemption Matters for Employees
Employees are generally subject to compulsory statutory pension insurance. If chamber membership also requires a scheme, the two systems overlap. The exemption under section 6(1) sentence 1 no. 1 SGB VI replaces the statutory pension obligation with the scheme. The guidance therefore asks employed architects to apply for exemption.
What Is the Deadline?
The application takes effect from the start of employment if it is filed within three months of that start (section 6(4) sentence 1 SGB VI and the guidance). If you apply later, the exemption takes effect only from the date the application is received. The exemption covers only that employment. A change of employer or a significant change of activity requires a new application.
| Situation | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Employed without exemption | Double contribution duty in statutory pension insurance and the scheme | Guidance Niedersachsen, February 2024 |
| Employed with timely exemption | Effect from the start of employment | Section 6(4) sentence 1 SGB VI |
| Application after the deadline | Effect only from receipt of the application | Section 6(4) sentence 1 SGB VI |
| New employer | New application, exemption covers only the employment | Section 6(5) sentence 1 SGB VI |
When Does Exemption Fit, and When Not?
Exemption is most relevant if you work permanently as an employee and would otherwise pay twice. It fits less well if you work briefly or in changing arrangements, because each change needs a new application. Whether the scheme offers more than statutory pension insurance depends on the bylaws and your salary, and cannot be answered in general terms.
How High Are the Contributions?
The guidance gives no contribution rates and refers to the bylaws. Section 6(1) sentence 1 no. 1 letter b SGB VI does require income-related contributions that take the contribution assessment ceiling into account. As an illustration of the statutory pension insurance, see this example.
Assumption: your gross salary is 5,000 euros per month. The 2026 contribution rate of statutory pension insurance is 18.6 percent, which is 930 euros, split into 465 euros for you and 465 euros for your employer. The contribution to your scheme is a separate amount and follows its bylaws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I automatically a member of the scheme as an architect?
Compulsory membership depends on chamber membership in your federal state. The competent architects’ chamber decides whether you are a member, so there is no general answer.
Can I be exempt retrospectively?
Only within the deadline. If you apply within three months of the start of employment, the exemption takes effect from that start. If you apply later, it takes effect only from receipt of the application. There is no retrospective effect beyond that point.
Do I have to file the application myself?
Yes. Under section 6(2) SGB VI, the insured person files the application. For an exemption under no. 1, the application is filed electronically through the scheme, which forwards it to the pension insurance carrier.
Where can I find the bylaws of my scheme?
You will find the bylaws on the scheme’s website or through the architects’ chamber of your state. The Bundestag paper notes that bylaws generally require approval by the supervisory authority. Ask the chamber which scheme is responsible for you.
Next Steps
- Ask the architects’ chamber of your state whether, and which, scheme applies to you.
- Check the bylaws for contributions, benefits and deadlines.
- When an employment starts, file the exemption application within three months.
- Report every change of employer and check whether a new application is needed.
Related Guides
- Versorgungswerk für Tierärzte: Pflicht, Beitrag und Befreiung (in German)
- Versorgungswerk für Rechtsanwälte: Pflicht, Beitrag und Befreiung (in German)
- Versorgungswerk für Zahnärzte: Pflicht, Beitrag und Befreiung (in German)
- Student Job 20-Hour Rule, Pension and Semester Breaks (English)
Sources: § 6 SGB VI, gesetze-im-internet.de (retrieved October 2026); Guidance on pension insurance obligation and exemption for employed architects, Architektenkammer Niedersachsen (February 2024); German Bundestag Research Services, WD 6-3000-004/25 (30 June 2025).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
