Retirement in Spain. What kind of pension can you expect after moving there?

More and more people are deciding to buy property abroad, not only to rent out, but also to have a place to move to after their professional career ends. What is life like in Spain after retirement?

Retirement in Spain is a popular choice among people who value a warm climate, affordable living costs and well-developed healthcare. Certain regions, such as the Costa del Sol and the Costa Blanca, are particularly popular, attracting not only thousands of tourists every year, but also senior citizens. Find out what Polish pensioners should bear in mind when moving abroad.

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It is not without reason that Spain has long been considered one of the best choices for retirees, not only from Europe. This is mainly due to its mild Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm, long summers and moderate, not too cold winters. Such weather is not only beneficial to health, but also allows for an active outdoor lifestyle all year round.

Polish retirees abroad can expect a high standard of living in Spain with relatively lower living costs compared to other Western European countries, such as France and Italy. Interestingly, Numbeo statistics from 2024 confirm that life on the Iberian Peninsula is also cheaper than in the United Kingdom or the United States. Added to this is the high quality of medical care – Spain ranks 4th in Europe in this category.

Equally important is the rich cultural life, delicious Mediterranean cuisine and peaceful lifestyle, which is conducive to physical and mental health. Retirement in Spain is an opportunity to enjoy fresh fish and seafood every day, spend your days on the beach and stroll through historic streets in the evenings.

Good weather, a Mediterranean lifestyle and a rich culture are not the only reasons why so many people choose to retire in Spain. The pension system there is equally attractive, in particular:
 

• Combining insurance periods from different EU/EFTA countries – this is good news for people who have worked in several places. This allows them to apply for benefits in the country of their choice without having to submit separate applications in each country.
• Three-pillar pension system – in Spain, this includes a non-contributory pension (pillar I), a contributory pension (pillar II) and a private pension (pillar III). This means that all seniors, even those who have not paid enough contributions, can receive benefits.
   

How long do you have to work abroad to get a pension in Spain? You must pay contributions for at least 15 years or, if you want to receive the full amount, 35 years. Currently, the minimum amount is around £650. Importantly, from 2027, the retirement age in Spain is set to rise to 67.

Where to plan your retirement in Spain? Excellent choices include:
 

• Costa del Sol – the southern coast offering 150 km of coastline and an average summer temperature of 25-26°C. This is where you will find Marbella, Malaga, Torremolinos, Nerja and Fuengirola.
• Costa Blanca – the south-east coast with towns such as Altea, Alicante, Benidorm and Orihuela, as well as prestigious golf resorts. It is a popular destination for lovers of outdoor activities and a peaceful atmosphere. In summer, temperatures on the Costa Blanca reach up to 27-29°C.
   

In these and other popular regions, Polish pensioners abroad can join expat communities. These make it easier to adapt to a new place of residence and allow you to socialise with people from all over the world.
 

Read also: Moving to Spain step by step. How to prepare?

A Polish pension for a person residing abroad does not require personal appearance at the office. Instead, you can submit your application through the Spanish social security institution, which is the equivalent of the Polish Social Insurance Institution (ZUS). This is the Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social (TGSS). The documents you submit will be forwarded to the appropriate branch in Poland.

Importantly, remember that a Polish pension for persons residing abroad is paid only after termination of employment. This applies to both contracts in Poland and, for example, in Spain. Otherwise, ZUS may suspend the payment of benefits, regardless of whether the retirement age has been reached or the amount of earnings.

If the length of service in one country is insufficient (in Spain it is a minimum of 15 years), then upon reaching the required age, you can combine the periods of insurance from both countries and obtain the right to benefits. This applies only to countries belonging to the European Union and those that have signed a bilateral agreement with Spain.

Spanish real estate is increasingly becoming part of the retirement strategy of foreign buyers. They appreciate this country for its combination of high investment potential, especially in the long term, and comfortable living conditions. This explains the popularity of luxury apartments and houses in coastal regions.

The amenities available to Polish pensioners abroad are also important. In Spain, these include high-quality healthcare, a wide range of leisure facilities and a high standard of living at relatively low costs. It is also an ideal destination for lovers of outdoor activities such as golf.

In addition, Spain attracts foreign investors with its favourable legal and tax regulations, which not only facilitate the completion of transactions and the purchase of real estate, but also the management of assets after retirement.


Retiring in Spain is an opportunity to enjoy sunny weather most of the year and have access to one of the best healthcare systems in Europe, while reducing your cost of living. If you are planning to move to the Iberian Peninsula after your career, you can start looking for a luxury property now with the help of Elite World Estates.

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Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you! Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.

Let us narrow down the search among the properties available through us, by contacting us and finding the best options for you. We are here to help you!
Please enter your contact details below and we will contact you as soon as possible.