Organising documents

How Long Do I Have to Keep Private Documents?

For private individuals there are only a few real retention obligations. Still, it is worth keeping many papers for a while: as proof, for taxes, or until a deadline has passed.

Last reviewed: October 9, 2026

Machine-translated from German using AI. Only the German version is authoritative.

General information, not legal advice. Only the law, official sources and your specific letter are binding.

In short

Private individuals only have to keep a few papers, for example invoices for craftsman services at their own house or apartment for two years. It makes sense, though, to keep receipts for as long as you might need them as proof: often three years from the end of the year because of the limitation period (Verjährung), and for tax papers until the tax notice (Bescheid) is final. You keep certificates (Urkunden) permanently.

Permanently

Certificates (Urkunden), school and work references, pension papers.

Craftsman invoices

2 years required (property, apartment).

Receipts in general

Usually 3 years from the end of the year makes sense.

Warranty

Proof of purchase at least until the end of the statutory warranty (Gewährleistung).

Real obligations for private individuals

Invoices for craftsman or building services at your property or apartment: two years from the end of the year in which the invoice was issued.
Very high income: Anyone with more than 500,000 € a year from renting, capital, or work must keep records for six years.

Sensible periods at a glance

Permanently: Birth, marriage, and other certificates, school and work references, pension papers, papers on real estate.
Until the tax notice is final: Receipts for the tax return. For notices issued subject to review (unter Vorbehalt), this can take several years.
Three years from the end of the year: Receipts and proofs of payment for normal invoices, because claims usually expire after three years.
Until the end of the statutory warranty (Gewährleistung): Proof of purchase, at least two years, longer for expensive devices because of the manufacturer's warranty.
Until the end of the contract plus the limitation period: Contracts with insurers, landlords, employers.
Bank statements: a few years, especially as proof of payments and for taxes.

How do you calculate the three years?

The regular limitation period (Verjährung) starts at the end of the year in which the claim arose. An invoice from March 2026 therefore usually expires only at the end of 31 December 2029. Until then you should keep the proof of payment.

Frequently asked questions

Is a digital copy enough?

For most private receipts yes, if it is readable and backed up. You should also keep the original of certificates (Urkunden) and documents with special evidential value.

How long should I keep payslips?

Ideally until the pension insurance has confirmed your periods. They can be important as proof for your pension.

How do I dispose of old papers?

Shred documents with personal data or dispose of them through a document destruction service, not in the paper recycling.

Official resources

Aufbewahrung privater UnterlagenVerbraucherzentraleOverview of which papers you should keep and for how long.§ 14b UStGGesetze im InternetRetention of invoices, also for private individuals in the case of services at a property.

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Sources

Read on

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General information, not legal advice. Only the law, official sources and your specific letter are binding.