Not all workers reach retirement age with the right to a pension without early cuts. In 2026, the normal age for accessing the old-age pension is 66 years and 9 months and, therefore, anyone born between April 1, 1959 and March 31, 1960 reaches this threshold in 2026 and can retire early without penalties, as long as they meet the guarantee period required by law.
Over the next two years, the natural calendar advances new groups towards this goal. With the normal age in 2026 set at 66 years and 9 months, those born between January and March 1960 reach that age between October and December 2026; the rest born after April 1960 only reach this age in 2027, with the normal age applicable in that year being defined by specific ordinance.
It is important to distinguish two points. One thing is access to retirement “without penalties” in advance (which depends on age and legal framework). Another is the final value of the pension, which depends on the contributory career and earnings recorded throughout working life.
Legal retirement age in 2025 and 2026
The normal age for accessing the pension in 2025 is 66 years and 7 months. In 2026, this limit increases to 66 years and 9 months, following the annual adjustment provided for by law.
From the moment a worker reaches the applicable normal age (or personal age, when this exists due to a long contributory career) and meets the guarantee period, he or she can request the pension without cuts in advance.
Long careers and possible reductions
Long contributory careers may reduce the required age. For each year beyond 40 years of deductions, it is possible to reduce four months to the normal age, forming the so-called “personal age” for accessing the pension.
Even so, anticipation has limits: personal age cannot result in access to the pension before the age of 60. And it is important to bear in mind that, if the request is made before the personal age (or the normal age, when applicable), there may be cuts in advance.
There are also other early retirement schemes, such as long-term involuntary unemployment, which may allow access to the pension from the age of 57, subject to specific conditions.
In practice, anyone with 42 years of contributions can see their personal age reduced by eight months compared to the normal age; and anyone aged 44 benefits from a 16-month reduction.
There are situations in which the law allows access to early pension without penalty. These are cases designated as very long careers, which cover beneficiaries with at least 48 years of discounts, or 46 years of discounts and beginning activity before the age of 17, as long as they are 60 years of age.
In these scenarios, cuts are not applied in advance, as this is a legal recognition of exceptional contributory effort and early entry into the job market.
Who can request reform without penalties in 2026
To start the process, the worker must confirm that he meets three basic conditions. First, reach the standard age of 66 years and 9 months (or adjusted personal age, if applicable). Second, comply with the required warranty period. Third, be registered with Social Security and have a Social Security Identification Number (NISS).
The process can be started online, through Social Security Direct, or in person at customer service offices.
Penalty-free retirement requires planning
Reaching retirement without early cuts depends on the combination of age, discount period and applicable regime. Timely planning is essential to ensure that the renovation takes place under the best conditions and without surprises.
The company advises beneficiaries to check their deduction records in advance and simulate the estimated value of the pension. This preparation allows you to make informed decisions and take full advantage of acquired rights.
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