If I worked 15 years in Italy and 5 abroad, do they all count?

It depends on the foreign country. If it's EU/EEA, yes if registered. If it's non-EU, only if there's a bilateral Italy-country agreement. Ask INPS.

What is the average pension in Italy?

The average is ~€1,200-€1,500/month. It depends on your earnings and contributions. If you were self-employed with low income, it's lower. If you were an employee of a large company, it's higher.

Do I have to wait until 67 for pension?

If you have 42-43 years of contributions and are under 67, you can apply for early pension. If not, you must wait. There are no other options if you don't want to waive rights.

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Old age pension: requirements, calculation, application (2026)

Old age pension is the main form of pension in Italy. Requirements change annually based on life expectancy. In 2026 you need 67-71 years of age + 20 years of contributions. This guide explains exact requirements, how to calculate the amount, how to apply, and what to do if you can't wait until age 67.

Authority

INPS — Pensioni

Time

2–3 ore

Updated

Apr 2026

What you need

✓Tax code
✓INPS social security statement
✓Last years IRPEF declaration
✓Contribution information (years of contributions paid)
✓SPID (for online procedures)

Step-by-step procedure

Verify your requirements: age + contributions

In 2026, you need: 67-71 years of age (depends on whether you are male/female and year of birth) + 20 years of contributions (paid in any regime: dependent work, self-employed, co.co.co, Separate Management). INPS raises the age by 4 months each year (life expectancy). Check your social security statement online via SPID.

For men born in 1960: 67 years + 0 months (2027). For women born in 1958: 67 years + 0 months (2026).

Calculate your pension amount

INPS automatically calculates the amount using: average salary × years of contributions × contribution rate. If you have less than 20 years, you're not eligible. If you're over 67 but have less than 20 years of contributions, you can request the Social Pension (lower). Use the INPS online simulator.

The simulator gives you an estimate of the monthly amount. The exact value depends on INPS data.

Apply for pension 3-4 months before the date

When you approach age 67, apply online via SPID on the INPS portal (section 'Benefits' > 'Pension'). You can apply 3-4 months before your desired start date. INPS provides a receipt and pension start date (usually the month after application). There's no deadline; you can apply whenever you want.

You can also delegate the application to an accountant or CAF (free at some CAFs).

If you can't wait: apply for early pension

If you're still under 67 but have at least 42-43 years of contributions (depends on birth year), you can apply for early pension (Quota 100 or Quota 103, temporary rules). Or wait for the exit window (between 3-36 months after age 67, depends on scheme).

Quotas (100, 103) change annually. Check with INPS to see if there are new rules.

Receive your pension every month

Once approved, your pension is credited to your bank account monthly (you must have an account to receive it). The first credit is in the month following your application. The amount remains constant yearly (adjusted for inflation if set). If you die, beneficiaries receive survivor's pension.

You can request pension revaluation every year if it has remained the same for years (due to rounding).

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Guida Pensione di Vecchiaia — INPS

INPS

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Frequently asked questions

Responsible authority

Authority

INPS — Pensioni

Phone

800 666 888

Certified email

Website

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The information in this guide is for orientation only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always verify on the official portal of the responsible authority.

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