New rules affecting those who retire and later will come into effect on January 1, 2026: the calculation period for the regulatory base has been extended, contribution gaps have been made more flexible, and contributions to the Intergenerational Equity Mechanism (MEI) and the solidarity contribution have increased.
From January 1, 2026, the public pension system will face a significant transformation that affects the calculation of retirement pension, the consideration of contribution gaps and the contribution level of workers, companies and self-employed workers.
1. Extension of the pension calculation period
Until now, the amount of the pension was obtained from the contribution bases of the last 25 years (300 months) prior to the pension becoming due. With the reform of Royal Decree-Law 2/2023, this calculation is gradually extended to reach 324 months (27 years) in 2037. By 2026, the best regulatory basis of the 302 months higher than the last 304 prior to the month before retirement. This increase affects the final pension value and may reduce the amount compared to the previous system if the years of contributions do not reach the average of the best months.
However, a transitional regime is in place: retirees between 2026 and 2040 will be able to maintain the old system if it is more favorable to them, mitigating the immediate impact for many workers.
2. Integration of contribution gaps
The system incorporates mechanisms to consider the periods without contributions (“gaps”), so that:
- If the gaps in the calculation period are 48 months or less, are integrated with the minimum base.
- If they are 49 months or more, the first 48 are integrated as a minimum, and the rest at 50 % of the minimum base.
Furthermore, to reduce the gender gap—currently greater than 5 months of the %—while this gap persists, female workers will be able to have months 49-60 of the minimum base period combined with months 100 of the %, and months 61-84 of the minimum base period combined with months 80 of the %. Men will be able to apply similar treatment if they can prove they have children or adoption, and related gaps.
3. Increase in contributions: MEI and solidarity quota
From January 1, 2026, the following surcharges will be increased:
- The MEI rises from 0.80 % to 0.90 % Of the base: 0.75% of the % will go to the employer, and 0.15% of the % to the employee. The self-employed will assume the entire amount.
- The solidarity contribution is structured in three brackets, starting at 1.15 %, 1.25 %, and 1.46 %, respectively, for those contributions exceeding the ordinary maximum.
These increases are presented as measures to strengthen pension funds and address the demographic challenge, although they also draw criticism for increasing salary costs and the complexity of the system.
Conclusion
The 2026 reforms will update the Spanish pension system: more years of retirement, better treatment of gaps—especially for women—and higher contributions. For those planning to retire early or planning their future career, it's crucial to anticipate the effects: review years of contributions, existing gaps, and the impact of the new surcharges.
If you'd like to analyze how these changes will affect you or develop a personalized retirement strategy, our advisory team can help.
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