Spain updates widowhood pension requirements for common-law couples

Royal Decree-Law 31/2026 introduces significant changes to the requirements for accessing widowhood pensions for common-law couples with children. The reform eliminates the previous necessity of having formalized the relationship through an official registry or public document.

Under the new regulations, couples with children in common can demonstrate their relationship by proving stable and uninterrupted cohabitation for at least two years immediately preceding the death, using a census certificate (empadronamiento).

The modification also allows for pension claims in cases where the death occurred prior to the reform taking effect, provided the application is submitted within an extraordinary twelve-month period.