Question 1

What is the statutory retirement age in Malta?

Accepted Answer

The statutory retirement age in Malta depends on your year of birth. For those born before 1952, retirement age is 61. It gradually increases to 65 for those born in 1962 or later. The phased increase was introduced under the Social Security Act to align with increased life expectancy.

Question 2

Can you retire early in Malta?

Accepted Answer

Yes, early retirement is possible in Malta under certain conditions. You can retire from age 61 if you have the full number of paid contributions for your birth year (35 years if born 1952–1961, 40 if born 1962–1968, 41 if born 1969–1975, 42 if born 1976 or later) and you do not work until your statutory pension age. The pension is not cut for retiring at 61, but those who qualify and wait until 62–65 get a lifelong increase of 6.5% to 29%.

Question 3

At what age can you claim a pension in Malta?

Accepted Answer

You can claim a contributory retirement pension in Malta upon reaching your statutory retirement age (between 61 and 65 depending on birth year) provided you have made sufficient Social Security Contributions. A non-contributory pension may be available to those who do not meet the contribution requirements.

Question 4

How many SSC contribution years are needed for a full pension in Malta?

Accepted Answer

To receive a full contributory retirement pension in Malta, you need 30 years of Social Security Contributions (SSC) if born before 1952, 35 years if born 1952–1961, 40 years if born 1962–1968, 41 years if born 1969–1975 and 42 years if born 1976 or later. With fewer years (minimum 10 years paid) you receive a reduced, pro-rata pension. For those who started working later, contributions made while employed, self-employed, or voluntarily may all count towards the total.

Question 5

Is there a mandatory retirement age in Malta?

Accepted Answer

There is no mandatory retirement age in Malta for most employees. Employers cannot force an employee to retire solely on the basis of age, as this would constitute age discrimination under the Equal Treatment in Employment Regulations. Employees may choose to continue working beyond the statutory pension age while also drawing their pension.

Birth Year	Retirement Age
1951 or earlier	61 (M) / 60 (F)
1952 - 1955	62
1956 - 1958	63
1959 - 1961	64
1962 or later	65

Retirement Age Calculator

Retirement Age Reference Table

Malta Retirement Age Guide 2026