Spain has approved new pension increases for 2026, continuing its policy of linking pensions to inflation. Under the new measures, contributory pensions will rise by 2.7%, while non-contributory pensions will increase by 11.4%.
Overall, the changes will affect around 13 million pensions and benefits nationwide.
It marks the fifth year in a row that pensions have been uprated in line with inflation (CPI):
- 2.7% in 2026
- 2.8% in 2025
- 3.8% in 2024
- 8.5% in 2023
- 2.5% in 2022
As a result, the average pension reached €1,317.70 per month in December 2025.
Breaking that down:
- Average retirement pension: €1,512.70 per month
- Average survivor’s pension: €937.60 per month
Non-contributory retirement and disability pensions now stand at €8,803.20 per year, paid as €628.80 per month over 14 payments.
The biggest percentage increases have gone to the lowest pensions, part of an ongoing effort to protect lower incomes and narrow the gender pension gap.
What are contributory pensions?
Contributory pensions are benefits paid to people who have paid into Spain’s Social Security system and meet the legal requirements.
The amount depends on:
- Years of contributions
- Contribution bases paid by worker and employer
They are mainly managed by the Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social (INSS).
Main types of contributory pensions
Retirement pension
A lifelong benefit once a worker stops working (or partially retires).
Key points for 2026:
- Minimum contributions: 15 years (two within the last 15 years)
- Retirement age: 65 years with at least 38 years of contributions or 66 years and 10 months otherwise
There are also early, partial and flexible retirement options.
Permanent disability pension
For people whose illness or injury reduces or eliminates their ability to work.
Levels range from partial to severe disability.
Death and survivor’s pensions
Paid to family members, including:
- Widow’s or widower’s pension
- Orphan’s pension
- Family dependants’ pension
There is also a very limited legacy scheme known as SOVI (Old Age and Disability Insurance).
What are non-contributory pensions?
By contrast, these are for people with insufficient income who either:
- Never paid into Social Security, or
- Did not contribute long enough to qualify for contributory pensions
They are managed by regional governments and by IMSERSO in Ceuta and Melilla.
Types
- Non-contributory retirement pension
- Non-contributory disability pension
Amount for 2026
€8,803.20 per year (adjusted depending on household income).
Income limit
- Annual personal income must be below €8,803.20.
- Higher limits apply for households with several members.
Other requirements
Retirement pension
- Aged 65 or over
- Legal residence in Spain for 10 years (two immediately before applying)
Disability pension
- Aged 18 to 64
- Legal residence for five years (last two consecutive)
- Disability of 65% or more
Can you receive more than one pension?
In general:
- Two pensions from the same system cannot usually be combined
- Survivor’s pensions are an exception
- Contributory pensions from different systems may be combined in some cases
Non-contributory pensions cannot be combined with each other or with survivor’s pensions.
Additionally, some healthcare professionals can combine partial retirement with limited public health work under strict rules.
The bottom line
Spain’s 2026 pension increases continue the policy of protecting purchasing power against inflation, with especially strong support for lower-income pensioners.
For most retirees, the steady annual uprating is now firmly embedded in the system, making pensions more predictable and far less vulnerable to sudden cost-of-living spikes than in the past.
