Can I partially retire and continue working?

Partial retirement after retirement age:

Simultaneously working part-time and retiring part-time is compatible.

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Josep Conesa Sagrera

Employment and insolvency lawyer

Josep Conesa is a Spanish and English-speaking labour lawyer who holds a master’s degree in European law and Fundamental Rights. Over 25 years of esperience. We’d be delighted to legally help you too, in your language whenever possible.

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Partial retirement after retirement age occurs when you reach retirement age but decide to work fewer hours. It is a way of partially leaving work and gradually entering retirement.

Until now it was possible to reduce the working day by 50%, and from now on it will be possible to reduce it by between 25% and 75%.

In this case the proportional part of the salary and pension is paid, and the company does not have to formalise a relief contract (contrato de relevo) (check this link to find out how to anticipate the retirement through the relief contract).

Requirements for active partial retirement

• Minimum age: the ordinary retirement age as applicable according to each case (with regard to actual years, without application of retirement age reduction coefficients).
• The partially retired worker may be employed on a full-time or part-time basis.

• Minimum contribution period: 15 years, 2 of which must be included within the 15 years prior to this potential partial requirement.

• Length of service in the company: not required.

• Relief contract: not required.

Link to the General Treasury of Social Security for more information.