How To Claim A Pension In Spain

How To Claim A Pension In Spain (2025 Update)

If you’re approaching retirement in Spain — or have worked here for several years — it’s important to understand how the Spanish pension system works and what you’re entitled to.

Whether you're an EU national, a UK citizen, or from a third country, this guide explains the different types of pensions in Spain, when and how you can claim them, how to transfer international pensions, and what documents you’ll need to apply.

Types of Pensions in Spain

Spain’s retirement system has three main pillars:

1. State Pension (Public)
2. Occupational Pension (Employer-based)
3. Private Pension (Voluntary individual plans)

Let’s break each one down, starting with the public system.

1. State Pension (Pensión Contributiva)

The state pension is part of Spain’s social security system and is available to most residents who have worked and paid contributions into it. As of 2025:

• The full retirement age is 66 years and 6 months
• By 2027, it will rise to 67 years

Minimum contribution period: To access a pension, you must have contributed to Spanish social security for at least 15 years, including 2 years within the last 15 before retirement.

Full pension: To receive 100% of the base pension, you’ll need to have contributed for at least 37.5 years. By 2027, this will rise to 38.5 years.

Contribution rates:

• Employees: 4.7% of salary
• Employers: 23.6%
• Self-employed (Autónomos): Pay both shares via fixed monthly quotas

Non-Contributory State Pension

If you haven’t paid into the system for long enough but meet certain income and residency requirements, you may still be eligible for a non-contributory pension. As of 2025:

• Must have , including 2 consecutive years immediately prior to application
• Less than €6,000/year (approximate threshold)

There is also a non-contributory disability pension for those under 65 who are officially recognised as having a permanent disability and meet similar residency and income criteria.

2. Occupational Pensions in Spain

Occupational pensions are company-sponsored retirement plans. They’re less common than in countries like the UK but are more frequently offered by larger corporations and multinational employers.

There are two main types:

• Defined Benefit (DB): The employer covers the full cost, guaranteeing a set pension amount.
• Defined Contribution (DC): Both employer and employee contribute, with payouts based on total contributions and investment performance.

In most cases, employees are automatically enrolled during their employment period and will need to contact their HR or plan administrator when approaching retirement.

3. Private Pensions (Planes de Pensiones Privadas)

These are voluntary, individual savings plans designed to top up your retirement income.

• You can contribute up to €1,500 per year tax-free (2025 cap)
• Funds grow tax-free but are taxable upon withdrawal
• Withdrawals are typically allowed from age 60 or earlier in cases of long-term unemployment or serious illness
• You can contribute up to 30% of your annual net income, whichever is lower

Many expats combine state pensions with private plans for greater flexibility in retirement.

Retirement Age & Early Retirement Options (2025)

While the standard age is now 66 years and 6 months, there are flexible options available:

• Early Retirement: Retire at 63 if you have at least 35 years of contributions (with pension penalties of up to 21% based on years missing)
• Partial Retirement: Combine part-time work with a proportional pension. A replacement worker may be required.
• Flexible Retirement: Return to work part-time after full retirement while receiving a reduced pension
• Firefighters, air crew, miners, and people with disabilities may retire from age 52–60 under special conditions

How To Apply for Your State Pension in Spain

You can apply for your Spanish pension:

• Up to 3 months before or after your official retirement date
• In person at your local INSS (Social Security) office
• Online via the Seguridad Social website (if you have a digital certificate)

• NIE number
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Completed pension application form

Find your nearest INSS office and book an appointment

Transferring a Foreign Pension to Spain

If you’ve worked in multiple countries, you may be entitled to claim pensions from each — depending on bilateral or EU-wide agreements.

1. EU/EEA Citizens

If you’ve worked in both Spain and another EU or EEA country, your total contribution periods are considered together under EU coordination rules. You’ll receive payments from each country based on how long you contributed there.

Apply via your nearest INSS office in Spain — they will coordinate with the other country’s pension office on your behalf.

2. UK Pension Transfers

UK nationals retiring in Spain can claim their UK State Pension and occupational or private pensions. Spain and the UK have a post-Brexit agreement allowing:

• State pensions to be paid into Spanish bank accounts
• Frozen UK pension credits to continue for qualifying years
• Transfers via QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) if moving private pension pots

Contact HMRC or your UK pension provider for claim instructions, then register the income with the Spanish tax authorities.

3. Non-EU/Third Country Nationals

Many non-EU countries (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia) have bilateral pension treaties with Spain that allow transfer or dual pension collection.

Check with your home country’s pension body and the Spanish INSS. You may also want professional tax advice to optimise reporting and avoid double taxation.

Taxation of Pensions in Spain (2025)

• All pensions (domestic and foreign) are treated as general income and taxed progressively
• Income tax brackets range from 19% to 47% nationally, with variations depending on your region
• Thanks to Spain’s double tax treaties with most major countries (UK, USA, Germany, etc.), you typically only pay tax in Spain if you're a resident here

• €1,150 deduction for retirees aged 65+
• €1,400+ deduction for retirees aged 75+

Autonomous communities may offer additional regional tax breaks for pensioners.

Need Health Cover for Retirement in Spain?

Some pensioners — especially early retirees or non-contributory recipients — may not automatically qualify for public healthcare in Spain.

Sanitas health plans for retirees — affordable, residency-compliant, and supported in English.

Final Thoughts

Spain’s pension system offers flexibility and solid benefits, whether you’ve worked exclusively in Spain or across multiple countries. By planning ahead and understanding your entitlements, you can make your transition to retirement smoother — and financially secure.

Start by gathering your documents, checking your contribution history, and scheduling an appointment with your local INSS office well in advance.