Spain approves pension rights for athletes and religious ministers

The Spanish Council of Ministers has approved a royal decree to facilitate retirement pension access and amounts for two specific groups: professional athletes and evangelical and Adventist ministers.

For professional athletes residing and working in Spain under professional contracts, the measure recognizes periods of activity between March 15, 1980, and their formal integration into the General Social Security Regime. To claim these rights, athletes must provide certification from their respective clubs or sports entities.

The decree also addresses religious ministers who performed their duties before being officially included in the Social Security system. This includes members of the Federation of Evangelical Religious Entities of Spain and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The measure aims to correct gaps in social protection by allowing these prior years of service to count toward retirement, disability, or survivor benefits.