Greece pension rules: Retirement ages vary from 55 to 67

Greece's pension landscape features varying retirement ages ranging from 55 to 67, depending on insurance history, professional category, and the presence of heavy or unhealthy labor credits.

Specific provisions allow certain IKA-insured women who met specific criteria in 2010, 2011, or 2012 to retire as early as 55, 56, or 57. Permanent employees in Local Government Organizations (OTA) working in heavy professions may retire at 58 if they completed 12 years of such work by late 2012; otherwise, the age is 60.

New regulations under Law 5316/2026 allow ESY and EKAB healthcare workers—including nurses, assistants, and ambulance drivers—to opt into the Heavy and Unhealthy Professions (VAE) scheme. If they meet specific requirements, including 12 years of specialized work, they may retire at 62. The deadline to apply for this inclusion is January 6, 2027.

Additionally, a 400-euro pension supplement is available, but it is strictly limited to retirees aged 65 and older. The government maintains this age threshold to manage fiscal costs, despite the removal of other income-based restrictions.