Retirement exodus: Greece sets new record for applications in 2025

IN 2025 Greece recorded a new historical record for the number of applications for retirement. Total served 225 803 applications, which exceeded the previous maximum 2021when it was registered 212 151 appeal.

According to information system data “ATLAS”the final figure for 2025 confirms the sustainable nature of the pension outcome and the increasing pressure on e-ΕΦΚΑ (Unified Social Insurance Fund).

Over the past five years left the labor market in Greece 1,036,683 peoplewhich clearly demonstrates the scale and systematic nature of the process.

When and why do they leave?

The peak month for the number of applications was Septembertraditionally associated with the mass retirement of education system workers. Followed by July And Januarywhich are more often chosen by employees, as this allows them to save part of next year’s Christmas bonus.

It is significant that in September it was installed and monthly record — 20 552 statements. In October the level also remained exceptionally high – 18 135 statements.

Forecast for the next three years

According to experts, the trend towards mass retirement will continue for at least next three years. The main reason is the “maturation” of pension rights of generations born in 1955–1965.

An additional factor was the opportunity for retirees continue working without losing part of your pensionwhich reduces the psychological barrier to leaving work.

However, according to official government statements, no changes to the retirement age are planned until 2030. However, the current rule about revising age limits every three years pushes many citizens to apply for a pension early “just in case.”

Increase in the number of working pensioners

Number working pensioners continues to grow and already exceeds 10% of the total number of pension recipients – about 260,000 people. For comparison: just a few years ago, employment was officially declared only 30,000 pensioners.

Reform that abolished the pension reduction for working pensioners and replaced it special contribution of 10% of salaryturned out to be extremely effective. Pensioners receive both a pension and a salary, and in the future the right to increase pension payments due to additional years of work.

Financial stability of e-ΕΦΚΑ

Despite rising costs, all indicators indicate that 2026 e-ΕΦΚΑ will remain surplus. The expected surplus will exceed 1 billion euros.

The fund’s expenses are projected to be €31.12 billionhowever they will be compensated by income in the amount €36.86 billion. The final surplus is estimated at €1.04 billion.

The increase in costs is primarily due to an increase in basic pensions and the acceleration of the pace of new payments, which makes the pension issue one of the key socio-economic challenges in the coming years.

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