Retirement Before 65: Early Retirement and Pre-Retirement in Spain

Retirement Before 65: Early Retirement and Pre-Retirement in Spain

Retirement is a right that all workers in Spain acquire upon reaching the legally established age, but the path to that moment is filled with legal and economic aspects that must be clearly understood. In this article, we analyze the implications of retiring before the age of 65, the reductions that may apply in such cases, and the concept of pre-retirement, which has gained relevance in recent years.

The Retirement Age in Spain

In Spain, the retirement age has been gradually increasing due to pension reform. Currently, the legal retirement age is 66 years and 4 months (for those who have contributed less than 37 years and 9 months) and 65 years (for those who have contributed more than that amount). However, the system allows for some flexibility, leading many workers to consider the possibility of retiring before reaching the standard age.

Reductions for Retiring Before 65

Retiring before the age of 65, although permitted, carries certain penalties in the amount of the pension. These reductions are applied to maintain the financial balance of the public pension system, as early retirement implies a longer payment period, which affects the system’s sustainability.

The reductions vary depending on how far in advance the worker decides to retire. For example, if a worker decides to retire at 63 years old, the reduction in their pension may be around 8% for each year prior to the statutory age. It is important to note that these cuts are applied progressively, so the amount of the pension will be reduced based on the number of years brought forward relative to the legal age.

Pre-Retirement: Concept and Characteristics

The concept of pre-retirement differs from early retirement. Pre-retirement refers to situations in which a worker—generally under a prior agreement with their company—retires before the age of 65 but receives an agreed-upon financial compensation, which may include the coverage of the public pension through an agreement with Social Security. Such agreements typically occur in companies undergoing restructuring or in sectors where the advanced age of employees poses a challenge to competitiveness.

In pre-retirement, the worker does not apply for early retirement individually; rather, it is part of a collective process in which the company and the employee reach an agreement. The pre-retired worker receives financial compensation that allows them to maintain their income level until they reach the legal retirement age.

What You Should Know When Considering Early Retirement or Pre-Retirement

If you are considering retiring before the age of 65 or entering a pre-retirement process, it is essential to take into account the following aspects:

1. Impact on the pension: As mentioned, retiring early implies a reduction in your pension. Planning and calculating this impact is crucial.

2. Pre-retirement agreements: In cases of pre-retirement, the agreement with the company is key. Make sure you fully understand its conditions and how they will affect your income and rights.

3. Legal advice: Consulting a lawyer specialized in labor and pension law is essential to ensure that you make informed decisions that will not harm your future financial stability.