👴 Can I get an old-age pension in Cyprus?

With conditions

Quick answer

It depends: the contributory old-age pension is paid at 65 with enough contributions. The old-age pension from the Social Insurance Fund is paid at 65 (early at 63 under conditions). It requires a minimum insurance period of about 780 weeks (~15 years) of paid/credited contributions, plus insurance-point tests. Anyone who never qualifies for a contributory pension may get the means-related Social Pension at 65, requiring residence in Cyprus of at least 20 years after age 40 (or 35 years after 18). In short: yes at 65, if you meet the contributions or the residence rules.

📋 The rules

Age 65 (early at 63 under conditions)
Minimum insurance ~780 weeks (~15 years)
Insurance-point test for the amount
No contributions: Social Pension at 65
Social Pension: 20 years' residence after age 40

🔓 Exceptions

Early pension at 63 if contributions are met
Other EU pensions are aggregated (coordination rules)
Widow's/invalidity pensions: separate schemes

⚠️ Penalties & fines

This isn't a "fine" matter, but if you don't build up the required weeks of contributions you won't qualify for a full contributory pension — you may get a reduced one or rely on the non-contributory Social Pension. Beware a myth: "I've lived in Cyprus long enough, so I automatically get a state pension" is not quite right — the contributory pension is contribution-based, while the Social Pension has its own residence rules. Note: exact 2026 amounts and the alternative "520-week" threshold couldn't be confirmed. Tip: ask Social Insurance Services for a statement of your contribution weeks.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

At what age do I get a pension?

The standard retirement age is 65, with early retirement possible at 63 under conditions. The exact amount depends on your insurance points, that is the level and duration of your contributions to the Social Insurance Fund over your working life.

How many contributions do I need?

For the full basic pension you need a minimum insurance period of about 780 weeks, roughly 15 years, of paid or credited contributions, together with insurance-point tests. An alternative 520-week threshold appears in some sources but couldn't be confirmed here.

What if I have no contributions?

If you don't qualify for a contributory pension, you may receive the Social Pension, which is non-contributory, at 65. It requires residence in Cyprus of at least 20 years after age 40 or 35 years after age 18, and is subject to means criteria.

Do contributions from another EU country count?

Yes. Under the EU social-security coordination rules, insurance periods in other member states can be aggregated to help you meet the required weeks. Each country then pays its own share of the pension based on the periods completed there.

How much is the pension in 2026?

Exact amounts are adjusted annually and weren't confirmed here for 2026. The final amount depends on your insurance points and earnings bands. Ask Social Insurance Services for a personalised estimate based on your own contribution record.

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