Retirement age in Ireland: everything you need to know

Retirement marks a significant life milestone, providing the opportunity of a well-deserved break after years of hard work. But have you thought about when you’ll be able to retire? Understanding how the Irish pension age could affect you is a key step when it comes to preparing for retirement.

On this page, you’ll find out the current retirement age in Ireland, how pensions could change in the coming years, and ways to build up a financial nest egg for your retirement years.

The information provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult with a licensed financial adviser or professional before making any financial decisions. Your financial situation is unique, and the information provided may not be suitable for your specific circumstances. We are not liable for any financial decisions or actions you take based on this information.

In Ireland, there's no fixed legal retirement age, but many employment contracts set it around 65. The Employment (Contractual Retirement Ages) Bill 2025 now enables employees to choose continued employment until reaching the State Pension Age, providing greater financial security.

If you’re unsure whether you have to retire at a certain age, it can help to consider your employment situation. For those who are self-employed, there’s no set retirement age. However, if you’re a regular employee, you might find your employment contract specifies an end date or a mandatory retirement age.

Certain roles, such as prison officers, Gardaí, Defence Forces, and Fire Services, have legally defined retirement ages. These vary by occupation and are subject to periodic review. For example, the Garda retirement age is scheduled to increase from 60 to 62.

You can claim your contributory state pension (previously known as the old age pension in Ireland) from age 66 to 70, provided you have sufficient pay-related social insurance (PRSI) contributions. To qualify, you must have entered insurable employment before turning 56 and met the required contribution thresholds.

If you don’t meet the requirements for the contributory state pension, you might still be eligible for a means-tested state pension, which is available to Irish residents over 66.

To work out exactly when you’ll qualify for your state pension, you can find further information here: contributory state pension.

While the current state pension age in Ireland is 66, there are suggestions that this age will gradually increase. In 2021, the government's Commission on Pensions delivered a report recommending a three-month increase each year, starting in 2028, which would bring the state pension age to 68 by 2039.

These proposals have not been confirmed, but with an ageing population meaning more people are starting to claim pensions, the pension age in Ireland is a frequent topic of debate.

Other changes have been introduced to offer more flexibility when it comes to the retirement age in Ireland. Although the state pension age is 66, you don’t have to retire at that age. If you apply for the state pension at age 66, you have the choice to delay receiving it until you turn 70. In return, you may qualify for a higher pension payment rate. This could be particularly beneficial for people who started working later in life, providing an opportunity to make additional contributions and boost their retirement savings.

If you’re employed, your contract likely specifies a mandatory retirement age of 65, although there are some options for early retirement in Ireland. Many employment contracts offer the option of retiring early, typically starting at age 60, and sometimes even as early as 55. Also, most contracts will let you retire early due to health reasons.

You can apply for the contributory state pension three months before turning 66, through your local post office or by downloading the form online.

If you’ve paid social insurance in more than one country, you should start your application six months before. If you wait too long and don’t apply within six months of becoming eligible, you might miss out on some payments.

Ireland's retirement age is currently set at 66, similar to countries like the UK and Germany. This puts Ireland roughly in line with many other European countries. Some countries, like Italy, the Netherlands, and Denmark, have higher retirement ages at 67, while others, such as France at 62 and China at 60, allow retirement significantly earlier.

Ireland's recent legal changes also mean employers can't force workers to retire before 66 without consent. This policy change matches broader international trends, aiming to support an aging workforce and ensure economic stability.

Whether you want to retire at 55, 60, or 65, you’ll naturally be thinking about whether you can afford to retire and how to do so. With people living longer, spending 20–25 years in retirement is becoming the norm. This is why it can be a good idea to save efficiently while you’re still working to ensure a comfortable lifestyle in retirement.

Saving into a pension can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to save for retirement, and by starting early, you can take advantage of compound interest. However, it's worth noting that there are other options available.

Investing is another way to save money, but it involves more risk. Investing in bonds or stocks and shares is often seen as a long-term plan. While it has the potential for high profits, remember that there’s no guarantee of returns, and the value of your investments could go down.

If you have shorter-term savings goals or think you might need access to your funds, a savings account may be a good option. With Raisin Bank, you can create a savings plan to automate your transfers and build a savings pot for your future. Compare rates from a range of banks and find a savings account to suit your needs.