Early Retirement in Austria in 2026: Korridorpension, Schwerarbeitspension and Long Insurance Records

In Austria, it is possible to retire before reaching the standard retirement age, but the conditions and deductions depend on the type of pension. Since 2026, there is also a flexible partial retirement option. Here is an overview of the main routes.

What counts as early retirement in Austria?

All early retirement options are linked to the standard retirement age, known as the Regelpensionsalter. This is 65 for men. For women, it was 60 until 2024 and is 61.5 in 2026.

If you retire before this age, your pension will generally be reduced for every month between the pension start date and the standard retirement age. The reduction depends on the type of pension you claim.

More information about the standard old-age pension and retirement age is available in this guide: The Austrian pension and “minimum pension” in 2026.

Early-retirement deductions in 2026

• Korridorpension: 0.425% per month, or 5.1% per year. No maximum deduction is specified in the source.
• Schwerarbeitspension: 0.15% per month, or 1.8% per year, up to a maximum deduction of 9%.

The deduction is therefore considerably lower for Schwerarbeitspension than for Korridorpension.

Korridorpension: important rules

Korridorpension was introduced by the 2005 pension harmonisation, known as Pensionsharmonisierung. The pension amount is based on the Pensionskonto.

There is a specific rule for working while receiving this pension. If you earn more than the marginal employment threshold, known as the Geringfügigkeitsgrenze, your Korridorpension ends. In 2026, this threshold is 551.10 euros per month.

However, there is also a benefit: for every month in which the Korridorpension was suspended, the later pension increases by 0.55%.

Schwerarbeitspension

Schwerarbeitspension is also reduced when it begins before the standard retirement age. The reduction is 0.15% per month, equivalent to 1.8% per year.

The total reduction is limited to 9%. The pension therefore cannot be reduced by more than this amount because of early retirement.

Long insurance records: the Hacklerregelung

The former early old-age pension for a long insurance period, known as vorzeitige Alterspension bei langer Versicherungsdauer, was replaced by Korridorpension. However, the long-service rule, called Langzeitversichertenregelung and commonly known as the Hacklerregelung, still allows eligible people with long insurance records to retire early.

When the standard retirement age is reached, the early old-age pension changes into a normal old-age pension at the same amount.

If you acquired additional compulsory insurance months after the early pension was granted, those months are taken into account and you receive a higher increase, known as the Steigerungsbetrag.

New from 2026: Teilpension

Teilpension has been available since 1 January 2026. It is intended to allow older employees to continue working with reduced hours while receiving part of their pension.

Main requirements

• You must be entitled to Korridorpension, Schwerarbeitspension, the pension for long insurance records or an old-age pension.
• Your working hours must be reduced by at least 25% and no more than 75%.
• Your employer must agree.
• Your earnings must remain above the marginal employment threshold.
• You must not already have a pension awarded by an official decision.

How much Teilpension is paid?

• Working-time reduction of 25% to 40%: 25% of the total credit.
• Working-time reduction above 40% up to 60%: 50% of the total credit.
• Working-time reduction above 60% up to 75%: 75% of the total credit.

The calculation is based on the working-time reduction and the previous year's full pension account credit, known as the Gesamtgutschrift.

If Teilpension begins early, the deductions for the relevant pension type apply. The Frühstarterbonus is taken into account. However, the Ausgleichszulage and Kinderzuschuss are not paid with Teilpension.

The Pensionskonto is closed only for the part of the pension being claimed. The remaining part continues to grow based on earnings. When full retirement begins, the pension is paid in full. Anyone who continues working after the standard retirement age receives a supplement known as a Zuschlag.

Where and when to apply

The responsible pension insurance institution is generally the Pensionsversicherungsanstalt (PVA).

You should submit the application approximately three months before the intended start date (Stichtag).

An informal letter also counts as an application; the official form can be submitted afterwards. Applications can be filed electronically using ID Austria. The procedure is free of charge.

The pension insurance institution makes its decision in an official notification called a Bescheid. You can bring an action before the competent Arbeits- und Sozialgericht within three months of delivery of the decision.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work while receiving Korridorpension?

Yes. However, if your earnings exceed 551.10 euros per month in 2026, the Korridorpension ends. For every month without the pension, the later pension increases by 0.55%.

Which early pension has the lowest deduction?

Schwerarbeitspension has the lowest deduction: 0.15% per month, with a total maximum of 9%.

What happens to a Hacklerregelung pension at the standard retirement age?

It becomes a normal old-age pension at the same amount. If additional compulsory insurance months were acquired in the meantime, a higher Steigerungsbetrag is paid.

Can I receive Ausgleichszulage with Teilpension?

No. Ausgleichszulage and Kinderzuschuss are not paid with Teilpension because the Pensionskonto has not yet been fully closed.

Practical steps before applying

1. Check which route may apply: Korridorpension, Schwerarbeitspension, Langzeitversichertenregelung or Teilpension.
2. Review your Pensionskonto and insurance record, including any additional compulsory insurance months.
3. Calculate how the applicable early-retirement deduction could affect the pension amount.
4. If you plan to continue working, check whether your earnings will remain above the Geringfügigkeitsgrenze and whether your employer agrees to the required working-time reduction.
5. Contact the Pensionsversicherungsanstalt (PVA) and submit the application approximately three months before the Stichtag.
6. Keep the Bescheid and note the three-month deadline for any action before the Arbeits- und Sozialgericht.

This article is based on information available online and is not legal, financial or pension advice. The procedure is free of charge, but individual eligibility and pension calculations should be confirmed with the responsible pension insurance institution.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at