Czech Pensions 2027: Increase, Retirement Age and How to Apply
Popular
Czech pensions rise on 1 January 2027: the basic amount of every pension goes up by 270 Kč to 5,170 Kč, and the percentage part by 0.2%. The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MPSV) puts the average old-age pension at 22,196 Kč afterwards, 304 Kč more than now. Pensions are paid monthly in advance, on an even-numbered day from the 2nd to the 14th. The one-off 2,000 Kč is not approved: it needs a law. Around Prague checked the figures on the MPSV, ČSSZ, Chamber of Deputies and Collection of Laws websites on 3 November 2026.
What changes on 1 January 2027
The increase is set by Government Regulation No. 177/2026 Sb. of 21 September 2026. The government added 0.2% to the percentage part on top of the statutory calculation.
| Item | 2026 | From 1.1.2027 | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic amount of every pension (základní výměra) | 4,900 Kč | 5,170 Kč (+270) | approved, No. 177/2026 Sb. |
| Percentage part (procentní výměra) | — | +0.2% | approved, same regulation |
| Lowest old-age pension (both parts at their minimum) | 9,800 Kč | 10,340 Kč | calculation: 5,170 + 5,170 |
| Average old-age pension after the increase | — | 22,196 Kč (+304, about 1.4%) | MPSV estimate |
| One-off payment | — | 2,000 Kč | not approved, bill in the Chamber of Deputies |
Around Prague's calculation: the 0.2% applies only to the percentage part. A 15,000 Kč pension rises by about 290 Kč, 20,000 Kč by about 300 Kč, 30,000 Kč by about 320 Kč.
What is not law yet. The social policy committee of the Chamber of Deputies proposed a one-off 2,000 Kč on 14 October 2026, recommending bill No. 270 with that amendment. As worded, it would be paid without an application to anyone whose pension was granted before 1 January 2027, and not before March 2027. By 3 November the bill had passed only its first reading. The same bill proposes +500 Kč on the percentage part at ages 80, 85, 90 and 95, and +1,000 Kč at 100.
When and how the pension is paid
- ČSSZ pays in advance once a month, on an even-numbered day from the 2nd to the 14th. A Saturday date is paid on Friday, a Sunday date on Monday. Holiday shifts are announced in advance: 1 January 2027 is a Friday and the 2nd a Saturday (2027 holiday calendar).
- Payment goes to a bank account, or in cash via Česká pošta, which deducts 94 Kč per payment.
- The new amount is in the valorizační oznámení, sent electronically since 2026 to your datová schránka or the ČSSZ ePortal. Paper only on request three months ahead; for January 2027 that deadline was 30 September.
Retirement age: how it is worked out
The age depends on your year of birth. The reform (Act No. 417/2024 Sb., from 1 January 2025) capped it at 67. For people born in 1974–1988 it is 65 years 8 months plus one month for each year after 1973. Anyone born after 1988 retires at 67.
| Year of birth | Men and women without children |
|---|---|
| 1960 | 64 years 2 months |
| 1965 | 65 years |
| 1970 | 65 years 5 months |
| 1975 | 65 years 10 months |
| 1980 | 66 years 3 months |
| 1985 | 66 years 8 months |
| 1989 or later | 67 years |
Women born before 1973 can retire earlier depending on the number of children: a woman born in 1965 with two children retires at 64 years 8 months. The ČSSZ calculator and the IDA app show your own date; the official age table is also in English.
A cap of 65 is still a government promise: MPSV places it in a second amendment from 1 January 2028, and bill No. 270 does not contain it. The ČSSZ table applies for now. Early retirement is possible up to three years before the age with 40 years of insurance, and the reduction is permanent.
Years of insurance: how many and what counts
You need both the age and the insurance period (doba pojištění): 35 years including substitute periods, or 30 years without them, for anyone reaching retirement age after 2018. Short of that, a “deferred” pension starts two years after the age of a man born on the same day: 20 years with substitute periods or 15 without.
- Employment and self-employment (OSVČ) with paid contributions count.
- Substitute periods: caring for a child under 4, caring for a dependent person, third-degree disability, time on unemployment benefit and up to three years registered at the labour office without it (before age 55, no more than one). Check your periods in the ČSSZ ePortal (Moje konto).
- Study counts only before 2010 (six years after 18); later only a doctorate, up to 4 years.
Foreigners: a Czech pension abroad and treaties
Pension insurance is compulsory for people working in Czechia, and Czech years are not lost if you leave.
- EU, EEA, Switzerland. Periods are added together and each country pays for its own years; one application where you live is enough.
- Ukraine. The treaty has applied since 1 April 2003 (No. 29/2003 Sb.m.s.) to citizens of both countries. Periods are added, each country pays for its own years, and under one year gives no pension. Years before 1.4.2003 go to the country of permanent residence on that date. A Czech pension can be received in Ukraine. The ČSSZ text is old and silent on wartime: check with ČSSZ.
- Russia. The treaty has applied since 1 November 2014 (No. 57/2014 Sb.m.s.) and covers only citizens of Czechia and Russia. Periods are added and pensions paid pro rata. A Russian pension is applied for at the OSSZ on form RU 3/CZ 202. Per ČSSZ it is paid only to citizens of the two countries and stops on loss of citizenship or a move to a third country. ČSSZ still lists the treaty, and we found no notice of suspension.
- Others. Treaties exist with Belarus (since 2019), Moldova, the USA, Canada, Israel and more: ČSSZ list.
ČSSZ pays abroad through the ČNB in ten currencies (EUR, USD, CZK and others); what arrives depends on the exchange rate and bank fees. Pensioners in the EU and treaty countries, including Ukraine and Russia, send a Potvrzení o žití (proof of life) with a certified signature in June and December, or payments are suspended.
How to apply and where to go
- When. Not earlier than four months before the date you want, later at any time; back payment is limited to five years. ČSSZ has 90 days to decide, and you can object within 30 days.
- Where. At the OSSZ (in Prague the PSSZ, in Brno the MSSZ) by appointment at objednani.cssz.cz, or via the online application with bank ID, mobile key, a data box or a foreign eIDAS identity.
- Documents. Passport, residence permit or občanský průkaz, proof of study and children, and evidence of periods ČSSZ lacks.
Help: ČSSZ contacts, phone 800 050 248 (press 1 for pensions). On 5 November 2026 (9:00 to 14:00) the Prague head office holds free consultations with English interpretation, booking online.
Czech pensions: frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How much will pensions rise in January 2027, and what is the average pension?
The basic amount by 270 Kč to 5,170 Kč and the percentage part by 0.2%. MPSV estimates the average old-age pension at 22,196 Kč afterwards, 304 Kč more.
Will there be a one-off 2,000 Kč payment?
Not yet known: it is in an amendment to bill No. 270, which is not law. If passed, it would arrive automatically, not before March 2027.
At what age do people retire in Czechia?
From 64 years 2 months for those born in 1960 to 67 for those born after 1988.
How many years of insurance do you need?
35 years if you reach retirement age after 2018, or 30 years without substitute periods.
Sources: MPSV, 21.9.2026, Regulation No. 177/2026 Sb., bill No. 270, old-age pension (ČSSZ), pension reform (ČSSZ), treaties, payment abroad. Checked on 3 November 2026; follow the progress of bill No. 270.
See also: Minimum Wage and Average Salary in Czechia 2026, Unemployment Benefit in Czechia 2026, Tax Return in Czechia, Czech Holiday Calendar 2027, What's changing in Czechia from 1 January 2027.
Photo: the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MPSV) building in Prague, seen from Zítkovy sady park. Aktron, Wikimedia Commons, public domain.
Comments (0)
Please be polite. Spam and insults will be removed.