Germany's pension increase of 3.74% is good news for many retirees. However, this increase may also bring an unexpected tax burden for some.

Approximately 73,000 retirees will become income tax payers for the first time due to this increase. As of 2025, the annual income limit exempt from tax in Germany is set at 12,096 euros.

The taxable portion of pensions in Germany is also increasing. This rate, which was 83% in 2024, will rise to 83.5% in 2025. Only 16.5% of the salary bracket will be exempt from tax.

In Turkey, pension salaries continue to remain among the lowest in Europe. As of 2023, the lowest pension in Turkey is 14,469 TL, which translates to only 364.6 euros at the current exchange rate.

Due to low pensions, retirees in Turkey are forced to queue at municipal restaurants. Turkey lags behind Eastern European countries in terms of pension salaries.