Retirement age increases; with the start of 2026, years of work requirements also change

With the start of 2026, the retirement age for women in Albania changes, as do the required years of work for both genders, according to reforms that came into effect in January 2015.

The reform, undertaken 10 years ago, planned a gradual increase in retirement age and years of service, directly linked to pension amounts.

Specifically, women will retire at 62 years old in 2026, up from 61 years and 10 months in 2025, while men will continue to retire at 65. The required years of work to receive a full pension also increase for both genders, from 38 years and 8 months to 39 years of work.

Currently, there are around 750,000 pensioners in Albania, with the majority dissatisfied with the amount they receive monthly, as nearly 55% of pensions are partial due to insufficient years of work, says Romina Radonshiqi, an economics expert.

Starting in 2026, the government’s decision to increase pensions through monthly bonuses also comes into effect:

Urban full pensions: 1,800 lek/month

Urban partial pensions: 800 lek/month

Rural pensions: 1,000 lek/month

Family pensions: 700 lek/month

Disability pensions: 600 lek/month

However, the monthly bonuses do not increase the pension base, since the indexation in October 2026 will be calculated on the base pension, not on the bonus. According to the government, this scheme will continue until pensions reach a minimum of 200 euros and an average of 400 euros.

The Ministry of Finance announced that during 2026, the pension system will be reformed to improve sustainability and benefits. Authorities say the results will be felt gradually, laying the foundation for a fairer and more secure system for current and future pensioners.

RETIREMENT AGE

Women: 2025 – 61 years 10 months | 2026 – 62 years

Men: 2025 – 65 years | 2026 – 65 years

PENSION INCREASES IN 2026

Urban full: 1,800 lek

Urban partial: 800 lek

Rural: 1,000 lek

Family: 700 lek

Disability: 600 lek

“KORÇA BOOM”