In 2027, the normal retirement age for the old-age pension in Portugal will increase to 66 years and 11 months, according to Order No. 476/2025/1, of December 29. This value represents an increase of two months compared to the 66 years and 9 months required in 2026, and the evolution is linked to average life expectancy at age 65, as per the formula established in Portuguese legislation.
Those born between February 1, 1960 and January 31, 1961 will reach retirement age during 2027. However, meeting the age requirement alone does not automatically entitle one to receive the pension. It is also necessary to meet a minimum guarantee period of 15 calendar years of contributions, consecutive or interpolated, for workers under the general scheme, or 144 months for Voluntary Social Insurance beneficiaries.
The legislation also provides for reductions in the retirement age for workers with long contributory careers. For each calendar year of career that exceeds 40 years, four months are deducted from the normal age. Thus, those with 42 years of contributions can reduce eight months, and those with 44 years can reduce 16 months. There are also specific regimes that allow penalty-free early retirement for those who are at least 60 years old and have 48 years of contributory career, or 60 years old with 46 years of career having started working very young.
Social Security provides a pension simulator on Segurança Social Direta, where it is possible to obtain an estimate of the retirement age and pension amount based on the contributory career. The results are indicative, so it is advisable to confirm the records and verify the applicable regime before applying for the pension.
