In Ukraine, the rules for retirement are based on age and accumulated insurance experience. These two factors determine when citizens have the right to apply for pension payments — at 60, 63, or 65 years old. However, there are special categories that can take advantage of the right to early retirement.
This is reported by Finway
Main Conditions for Retirement in 2026
The Pension Fund of Ukraine emphasizes that to receive an age pension in 2026, one must have the appropriate insurance experience:
- at 60 years — at least 33 years of insurance experience;
- at 63 years — at least 23 years of experience;
- at 65 years — at least 15 years of experience.
These requirements apply to both men and women. Only official work experience or periods of voluntary social contributions are taken into account.
Early Retirement: Who is Eligible
Ukrainian legislation defines several cases in which a pension can be received before age 60. These categories include individuals with disabilities, mothers of many children, and those who have worked in harmful or difficult conditions.
Special lists No. 1 and No. 2 are of significant importance. List No. 1 includes workers in underground jobs, mines, and the metallurgical industry. They can retire at the following ages:
- men — approximately from age 50;
- women — approximately from age 45.
List No. 2 covers professions with harmful working conditions (hot shops, welding, chemical production). For this category, the age threshold is:
- men — from age 55;
- women — from age 50.
“A mandatory condition is full employment, confirmation of the relevant position, and certification of the workplace,” specialists from the Fund emphasize.
It is also worth noting that pensions for length of service are granted to representatives of certain professions, for which the main criterion is special experience. In particular, teachers, medical workers, artists, athletes, and some transportation workers can obtain the right to a pension with 25 to 30 years of experience.
Can One Receive a Pension Early Without Benefits?
Many are interested in whether it is possible to retire early at one’s own request without having benefits. The response from the Pension Fund is clear: early retirement is only possible if one belongs to the categories defined by law.
However, if a person lacks insurance experience, it can be “purchased” — that is, contributions can be paid independently (through voluntary participation in the social insurance system or by entering into a contract with the tax authority). However, special benefit experience or length of service cannot be purchased — these periods must be fully worked out.
Citizens can independently check their insurance experience through the electronic cabinet of the Pension Fund of Ukraine or request certificates in forms OK-5 or OK-7.