Greece pension debt crisis affects self-employed and farmers

Significant numbers of self-employed individuals and farmers in Greece are facing difficulties accessing pensions due to substantial debts owed to e-EFKA and KEAO. Estimates suggest up to 300,000 people are unable to retire because of these liabilities.

To access pensions through existing regulations, debtors must meet specific debt thresholds: no more than €30,000 for professionals and €10,000 for farmers. If debts exceed these amounts, the surplus must be paid in a single lump sum within two months of applying for the regulation. The process also requires the waiver of banking secrecy and includes a 60% withholding of the pension until the debt is reduced.

Despite these measures being in place for two years, participation remains low. Of more than 7,700 applications submitted, only 4,160 have been approved. Total debts to KEAO and EFKA reached approximately €52.4 billion in the second quarter of 2026.