If you are living in Spain long term, or planning to, pension figures are one of those quiet background numbers that are worth a glance now and then.
The latest update from Spain’s Social Security system shows that more than 10.4 million pensions were paid in April, reaching close to 9.5 million people. Altogether, that monthly bill came to over €14.3 billion.
What does it mean in everyday terms?
The average pension now sits at around €1,368 a month. That’s a 4.5% increase compared to the same time last year. Retirement pensions come in slightly higher, at just under €1,570 per month.
However, not all pensions land equally. Those who retired under the general system receive around €1,729 on average. Meanwhile, self-employed workers receive closer to €1,058, which is a noticeable gap.
Beyond retirement, millions of other payments go out each month. Around 2.3 million are widow’s pensions, while just over a million relate to permanent disability. Smaller numbers cover orphanhood and family support.
Spain: Pension trend
Another trend is starting to stand out. More people are choosing to delay retirement. In early 2026, nearly 13% of new retirees waited longer than required before claiming their pension. As a result, the average retirement age has edged up to just over 65.
At the same time, support to reduce the gender pension gap continues. More than 1.4 million pensions now include an extra payment linked to children. Most of these go to women, adding an average of about €77 a month.
For anyone building a life in Spain, these figures offer a useful snapshot. Pensions are rising, yet differences remain depending on work history, and the system continues to shift over time.
Read more about the types of pensions available in Spain.
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