Sweden pension report reveals high uncertainty and gender gaps

A new report by Söderberg & Partners, titled ‘Pensionssprickan 2026’, reveals significant uncertainty regarding retirement planning in Sweden. Approximately 65 percent of Swedes report they do not know how to increase their pensions, despite 64 percent aiming to receive at least 71 percent of their final salary in retirement. Only 25 percent of respondents believe they will actually reach this goal.

The report also highlights a lack of awareness regarding the new ‘target age’ (riktålder) in the public pension system, with 48 percent of those surveyed stating they do not know how it affects their retirement options. Furthermore, 58 percent of respondents intend to retire at age 65 or earlier, even though the target age for many age groups is now set at 67.

Gender disparities remain a critical issue in the Swedish pension landscape. Data indicates that women receive, on average, 82 percent of the pension amount received by men. This gap is most pronounced in occupational pensions (tjänstepension), where women receive only 61 percent of what men receive. Factors contributing to this difference include lower average wages, more part-time work, and longer parental leaves, all of which result in lower lifetime contributions.