The Italian pension system maintains the main rules for retirements in 2025 and 2026, with a focus on INPS management. Old-age retirement, known as pensione di vecchiaia, requires age 67 and at least 20 years of contributions. Essa modality remains stable until the end of 2026, with no automatic increase in age due to the suspension of adjustments for life expectancy. Trabalhadores who started contributions from 1996 need the value of the pension to reach at least the equivalent of the assegno sociale, around 546 euros per month in 2026.
Ordinary early retirement allows retirement regardless of age, with 42 years and 10 months of contributions for men and 41 years and 10 months for women. Após meets the requirement, a three-month window applies for actual payment. Essa option remains available without significant changes in the period analyzed.
Rules for retirement by age
The pensione di vecchiaia represents the most common modality. Ela guarantees access at age 67 with a minimum 20 years of contributions for all workers, including employees and self-employed people. The calculation considers the mixed or contributory system, depending on the career. Para who has made full contributions since 1996, the value of the pension must exceed the assegno sociale. Caso otherwise, access only occurs at age 71 with at least five years of contributions.
This stability reflects the suspension of automatic adjustments until 2026. From 2027 onwards, a gradual increase in requirements is expected. The pension is paid in 13 annual installments and includes access to the public healthcare system.
Ordinary early retirement
Workers with long careers can opt for early retirement without age requirements. Homens need 42 years and 10 months of contributions, while women require 41 years and 10 months. The measure favors those who started their careers early and maintained continuous contributions. Após fulfillment, payment starts after three months of waiting.
This modality will not change in 2025-2026. Ela allows planning for those who accumulate significant time, but implies a reduction in value compared to retirement due to age.
Special and flexible modalities
APE Access occurs at 63 years and five months with 30 years of contributions, or 36 years for serious contributions. The measure was extended to 2026.
Other options include retirement for usurious work, leaving at 66 years and seven months and 30 years of contributions. Trabalhadores precocious, with at least one year of contribution before the age of 19, access with 41 years of contributions. Medidas like Quota 103 and Opzione Donna were not extended for new access in 2026.
Brasil-Italy agreement and international contributions
The bilateral agreement allows contribution periods to be added to Brasil and Itália to meet requirements. Brasileiros with Italian citizenship or INPS contributions use this mechanism. The sum facilitates retirement due to age or early. The process requires documentation and analysis by INPS.
This integration benefits migrant workers. The value of the pension is proportional to the time in each country.
Contributory retirement and additional conditions
For those who have contributions exclusively from 1996 onwards, the old-age pension requires the minimum amount equivalent to the assegno sociale. The modality guarantees sustainability to the system. In 2026, the limit remains at around 546 euros per month.
Self-employed workers and independent professionals follow similar rules, with direct contributions to INPS or specific funds. The minimum pension is guaranteed in cases of low income.
The Italian system prioritizes balance between age and contributions. The rules in force until 2026 facilitate planning, with a focus on long careers and protected categories.