Retirement ages around the world
Pension ages keep rising as populations age. Figures below are ages for the state pension (not private plans); many countries are phasing in changes by birth year, so check your birth cohort.
| Country | Pension age | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| China | 60 M / 55 F (rising) | Phased reform to 63/58/55 from 2025 |
| France | 64 | Reformed in 2023 from 62 |
| Italy | 67 | Indexed to life expectancy |
| Germany | 67 (phasing) | 66+ for transition cohorts |
| Spain | 66.5 (rising to 67) | Depends on contribution years |
| United Kingdom | 66 (rising to 67) | 67 from 2026–28 |
| United States | 67 (full benefit) | 62 with reduced benefits |
| Japan | 65 | Can start reduced at 60 |
| South Korea | 60 | Base pension paid from 65 |
| Canada | 65 (OAS) | CPP can start at 60 reduced |
| Australia | 67 | Since July 2023 |
| Netherlands | 67 (linked) | Indexed to life expectancy |
| Sweden | 65–67 (flexible) | Income pension from 62 possible |
| Switzerland | 65 M / 64 F | Referendum adjusted 2024 |
| Brazil | 65 M / 62 F | Contribution-based rules |
| Russia | 65 M / 60 F | After the 2019–2028 reform |
| India | 60 | Formal-sector/government jobs |
| Singapore | 63 (rising to 64) | Re-employment to 68 |
| Turkey | ~60 (varies) | Long contribution rules |
| Poland | 65 M / 60 F | Equalization debates ongoing |
Notes
- “Pension age” means the age for the basic state pension, not when people actually stop working.
- Many countries index pension age to life expectancy — expect further rises.
- Early claiming usually reduces the benefit permanently (e.g. US 70–80% at 62).
Frequently asked questions
- What is the retirement age in the US?
- Full Social Security benefits start at 67 for those born in 1960 or later; you can claim reduced benefits from 62.
- Which country has the lowest pension age?
- Among major economies, China's 60 (men) is lowest but a phased rise to 63 started in 2025; India's formal-sector age is 60.
- Are pension ages rising everywhere?
- Broadly yes — life expectancy and aging populations push reforms. Denmark links its age to life expectancy outright (reaching 70 for the young cohorts).