If you are living and working in Spain and thinking about retirement, there are important changes to be aware of from 1 January 2026.
Under Spain’s pension reform, the state retirement age is gradually rising, and this year the requirements have increased again.
Retirement in Spain: the new age limits
To retire with 100% of your Spanish state pension:
- You must be 66 years and 10 months old if you have paid less than 38 years and 3 months into the Spanish system.
- You can still retire at 65 if you have contributed 38 years and 3 months or more.
The minimum contribution period has not changed. You still need at least 15 years of contributions, with two of those years paid within the last 15 years before retirement.
Partial retirement
Spain also allows partial retirement, where you reduce your working hours while receiving part of your pension.
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If your employer does not hire a replacement worker, you can only access partial retirement at your normal legal retirement age.
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If your employer does hire a replacement (known as a relief contract), partial retirement is possible from:
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63 years and 10 months with less than 38 years and 3 months of contributions
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62 years if you have at least 33 years of contributions
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Early retirement: what to expect
Early retirement is possible, but it comes with financial penalties.
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Voluntary early retirement can be taken up to two years early, provided you have at least 35 years of contributions.
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From 2026, the minimum age for voluntary early retirement is:
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64 years and 10 months, or
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63 if you have a longer contribution history
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Your pension must also be higher than the minimum pension level for your family situation. If it isn’t, early retirement is not allowed.
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Involuntary early retirement (for example, after redundancy) can be taken up to four years early, from:
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62 years and 10 months, or
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61 if you have contributed for 38 years and 3 months or more
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In both cases, reduction coefficients apply, meaning your pension will be permanently reduced depending on how early you retire and how long you have contributed.
Delaying retirement: higher rewards
If you choose to delay retirement beyond the legal age, Spain offers financial incentives.
Since reforms introduced in April 2025, these incentives increase more flexibly:
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From the second year of delay, bonuses increase every six months, not just yearly.
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You can choose:
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A higher monthly pension,
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A one-off lump sum, or
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A mix of both.
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Delayed retirement bonuses are also now compatible with active retirement, although no new bonuses build up while you are actively working.
Retirement in Spain: Why this matters for expats
For expats who have worked in more than one country, understanding how Spanish pension rules fit into your overall retirement plan is essential. Small differences in age or contribution history can have a big impact on your income later on.
If you are approaching retirement, it’s worth checking your contribution record and, if needed, getting professional advice to make the most of your options.
