Spain implements new flexible retirement regulations

Spain has implemented new regulations regarding flexible retirement, effective as of August 28. The reform expands options for individuals who wish to continue working after receiving their pension.

Under the new rules, the permitted working hours for flexible retirement have been adjusted. The previous range of 25% to 75% of a full workday has been replaced by a broader range of 33% to 80%. The amount of pension received remains linked to the time worked, generally meaning higher work dedication results in a lower proportion of the pension benefit.

A significant change involves self-employed workers (autónomos). Retirees can engage in self-employed activity while maintaining 25% of their recognized pension, provided they have not been registered as self-employed during the three years prior to retirement. This percentage remains fixed regardless of the level of activity.

The reform also distinguishes between different retirement mechanisms: active retirement, which involves delaying pension access by at least one year to receive a higher compatible percentage; flexible retirement, which occurs after the pension has already been granted; and partial retirement, which is defined by a reduction in working hours and is not available to the self-employed.