The Future of Pensions in Spain: What You Need to Know

June 30, 2026
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In this post, we will analyze the future of pensions in Spain. Over time, a decline in these benefits has become evident, and the future in this regard is not very encouraging.

Firstly, in 2013, significant parametric changes were announced, which would be in effect until 2027.

In theory, this was imposed as a strategic measure to promote the sustainability of pensions. But the reality is that the results are not as expected, and many are wondering, will we have pensions in the future?

Throughout this post, we will tell you how the pension system in Spain works and what forecasts experts are making on the matter. Additionally, we share some very useful investment measures to safeguard your future. Let's get started!

What are pensions?

Broadly speaking, a pension is understood as a periodic payment given temporarily or for life under conditions of disability. Each country has its own variations regarding the pension payment system.

In Spain, pension payments are managed according to what is established in the pay-as-you-go principle. And it is contributions from both companies and Social Security that help establish the funding.

It's easy to think that this payment remains as savings that the same worker who makes their Social Security contributions will receive in the future. But the reality is different, as those contributions are used for the payment of active pensions.

Starting in 2027, certain requirements to qualify for a pension will change, the time of contribution to Social Security will be taken into account. And this will be a conditional factor for calculating the pension amount.  

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Why is the pension system in Spain not sustainable?

There isn't a real balance between active workers and pensioners, and such a discrepancy affects the stability of future pension payments.

Various studies have shown that the number of pensioners can exceed that of the active workers contributing to Social Security. And it's easily evident that, based on the system's principles, it is not sustainable.

The following are some of the main reasons why the future of pensions in Spain does not look promising:

Population life expectancy

Various studies have shown that life expectancy has increased in recent decades, which directly raises the percentage of the retired population. And, of course, the cost to meet this demand is rising.

Decreasing birth rate

Regarding the future of pensions in Spain, we have another key factor, which is the decline in the birth rate, with low figures.

But what does this have to do with it? It matters a great deal, because in the long term it reduces the percentage of active workers who support the pension system's foundation, making the problem evident.  

How much will pensions increase in Spain in 2023?

Although economists know that in the long term pensions can be affected by a lack of sustainability, there are demands to address. And the State has responded with measures such as the pension increase in 2023.

But how much did pensions increase in Spain? And more importantly, when will the payment of this amount become official? Firstly, the increase was 8.5% and applied to contributory pensions.

This increase is tied to the average CPI established for the period December 2021 - November 2022.  It did not apply in the same way to non-contributory pensions, because in that case it became effective the 15% increase valued since last year.

Pension revaluation and inflation

Considering the evolution of pensions over the previous two years, it is estimated that the future of pensions in 2024 will be revalued by an average that ranges from 3.5% to 4.5%.

However, there is a factor that impacts the evolution of pensions immediately and in the long term: inflation. If these figures increase, then the revaluation will be affected.

Taking this into account, measures such as the publication of the statistical advance of the CPI on November 29 will be implemented. This was indicated by the INE or National Institute of Statistics, to provide a better approximation of the pension increase.

What will happen to pensions in Spain? The future from 2023 to 2050

While it's true that the future of pensions in Spain doesn't look promising at first glance, it's not as if everything is already set in stone.

The best we can do is consider the current data and facts and estimate forecasts based on them.

The government has been open about the issue, even sharing reports containing future estimates and some contingency measures. It is known that the ratio between pensioners and active workers is 2.41.

However, there are also fears that the graph's results will be more distant, even reaching a ratio slightly less than 1 by 2050. This would again demonstrate the long-term situation of pensions, which at times appears unsustainable.

In addition to the factors previously mentioned, wage devaluation and the increase in retirees aspiring to a higher pension, the relationship between income and expenses can become unbalanced.

The Future of Pensions After Covid-19

It's not surprising that analysts have considered the effects of Covid-19 a disadvantage for the future of pensions. In 2020, a historic deficit in Social Security contributions was evident.

It was even necessary to allocate some funds to minimize the impact of the decline, such as directing 14 million euros to cover the economic downturn caused by the cessation of certain financial activities.

The sustainability factor and its influence

Although a complicated outlook is evident, the situation has not been ignored. Proof of this includes measures such as the sustainability factor, a system that aims to link payments to retirees with changes in their life expectancy.

The purpose of this is to find a balance between the perceived amount, vs the level of contribution made as an active worker.

This way, the aim is to maintain a balance between the group funding these payments and the beneficiaries. Other countries are also seeking to achieve these sustainability points, though challenges like those already mentioned naturally arise.

What can you do to ensure you have a pension when you're older?

It's clear that certain factors could worsen the outlook for pensions in Spain. For this reason, it's wise to seek measures that help mitigate this situation.

Options include life insurance with savings, which allows for payments during your working life. Once you reach retirement, you gain ideal financial support to cover expenses or for investments.

Additionally, some other options include:

Investing in Real Estate

Investing in real estate is one of the best options to secure a good future during retirement. Firstly, it is one of the markets with the lowest volatility, which allows us to enter with less exposure to risks.

I would recommend reading about the real estate market, as it's a lucrative market with many investment opportunities. You could invest in property with little money, a good option is to invest in apartments. A different alternative is to invest in gold and silver

On the other hand, at several points in this post, we've highlighted that inflation is one of the main obstacles. You should know that property values take a long time to depreciate due to this effect, which provides more security.

Another advantage of investing in Real Estate is the possibility of generating a stream of profitable passive income. Of course, this depends on actions like renting out a property, which generates passive income.

Read about: nominal yield

Safer investments with Domoblock

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Trust them, they are the best specialists in the real estate crowdfunding and the real estate tokenization of the market.

What is the required age for a pension in Spain?

In Spain, the retirement age for accessing a pension has undergone reforms in recent years, with the aim of adapting the pension system to demographic changes and ensuring its sustainability. The required age for a pension depends on several factors, including the year of retirement and the number of years contributed. Here are the main aspects to consider:

Ordinary Retirement Age

The ordinary retirement age in Spain is gradually increasing to reach 67 years by 2027. However, there are variations depending on the contribution period:

  1. Individuals with less than 38 years and 6 months of contributions:
    • In 2024, the retirement age is 66 years and 6 months.
    • The age progressively increases to reach 67 years by 2027.
  2. Individuals with 38 years and 6 months or more of contributions:
    • In 2024, the retirement age is 65 years.
    • This age remains for those who have contributed for the required period.

Early Retirement

In certain cases, it is possible to retire before the ordinary retirement age. There are two main types of early retirement:

  1. Voluntary Early Retirement:
    • You can apply up to two years before the ordinary retirement age (from age 63 in 2024 if the ordinary age is 65, and from age 65 if the ordinary age is 67).
    • Requires at least 35 years of contributions.
  2. Involuntary Early Retirement:
    • Possible up to four years before the ordinary age (from age 61 in 2024 if the ordinary age is 65, and from age 63 if the ordinary age is 67).
    • You must have contributed for at least 33 years, and the retirement must be a consequence of dismissal due to economic, technical, organizational, or production reasons.

Partial Retirement

Another option is partial retirement, which allows combining part-time work with receiving a retirement pension. The requirements include:

  • Be at least 60 years old if accessed through a relief contract.
  • Have contributed for a minimum period (generally 33 years).

The age required to access a pension in Spain depends on the retirement year and the years of contributions. The ordinary age is gradually increasing to reach 67 by 2027, although it is possible to retire earlier under certain conditions. It is advisable to review current legislation and consult with the Social Security or a specialized advisor for updated and personalized information.

Conclusion, what does the future hold for pensions?

The future of pensions for 2050 is not the most promising, but several factors influence the outcomes.

Therefore, we only have estimates, and events and developments in recent years will be key to more accurately defining the evolution or even the permanence of pensions and their system, which aims to be sustainable.

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Sergio Navarro

Expert in blockchain, investments, and personal finance

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