Luxembourg to Gradually Extend Early Retirement Age from 2026

Workers retiring before 65 will need to contribute up to eight additional months by 2030

Luxembourg’s early retirement conditions are set to change starting July 1, 2026, as part of the government’s pension reform. Minister of Health and Social Security Martine Deprez confirmed that workers who choose to retire before the legal age of 65 will need to work an extra month from mid-2026 — a requirement that will gradually rise to eight additional months by 2030.

The measure, included in a bill approved by the Government Council, aims to strengthen the financial and social sustainability of Luxembourg’s pension system. “It is necessary to ensure a lasting balance between the duration of working life and the period during which pensions are paid,” the draft law explains.

Gradual Increase Until 2030|
Under the reform, anyone opting for early retirement — available from age 57 with at least 480 months (40 years) of contributions — will need to remain employed beyond that threshold.

For example, by 2030, a 60-year-old worker with full contributions will have to continue working for eight more months before qualifying for early retirement.

Reform Effective from July 2026
The extra work requirement will apply only to those retiring after July 1, 2026, giving eligible workers time to adjust. The Ministry emphasized that applications for early retirement can still be submitted up to six months in advance.

Certain exceptions will remain, particularly for shift workers, night workers, or individuals in pre-retirement adjustment schemes, who will not be affected by the added months.

Ensuring Long-Term Balance
The government justified the move by noting that Luxembourg has one of the earliest average retirement ages in Europe. By aligning early retirement more closely with the official age of 65, authorities hope to preserve the system’s financial equilibrium while encouraging longer participation in the workforce.

The reform also complements other pension measures, including a €9,000 bonus for those who choose to delay retirement instead of retiring early.

As the bill moves through parliamentary discussions, the Ministry of Social Security maintains that this “moderate and progressive” adjustment is essential to safeguard Luxembourg’s pension sustainability for future generations.

Read More : Early retirement? It will be necessary to work more months from 2026 in Luxembourg | Contact