Retirement age increases from 1 July for certain categories of women in Romania

Changes to the retirement schedule from July 2025

From 1 July 2025, Romania is taking another step in the gradual adjustment of the retirement age for women. This change does not represent a sudden or sweeping reform, but rather forms part of a broader legislative plan, established previously, under which women's retirement age is being raised progressively, year by year, until it reaches parity with that of men.

Who is affected by this change?

The change applies exclusively to certain categories of women — particularly those due to retire in the period immediately following 1 July, who, under the new schedule, will need to work a few additional months beyond what they had initially anticipated. Not all women in Romania are affected at the same time, as the increase is being applied in stages, depending on year of birth and accumulated contribution period.

The legislative context of the reform

Romania is in the midst of implementing a pension law adopted in recent years, which provides for the elimination of the difference between the retirement age for women and that for men. Whilst men currently retire at 65, women are set to reach the same threshold gradually, through periodic increases of a few months at a time. This harmonisation is also aligned with European requirements regarding gender equality in the labour market.

Impact on the financial planning of women approaching retirement

For women on the cusp of retirement, this change may mean an additional period of professional activity — sometimes of several months — which also offers them the opportunity to accumulate a longer contribution period and, consequently, a slightly higher pension. However, for those facing health issues or caring for family members, the extension of working life may represent an additional burden.

Recommendations for those affected

• Check with the Pension House the exact date on which you are entitled to retire, based on your year of birth and contribution period.
• Consult a specialist in employment law or a financial adviser if your situation is complex (early retirement, disability, special working conditions).
• Find out about the possibility of partial early retirement, if your contribution period allows for this.
• Consider the long-term impact: a longer contribution period can result in a higher monthly pension amount.

The Romanian authorities recommend that all individuals approaching retirement age request a statement of account from their Territorial Pension House, in order to have a clear picture of their situation and to be able to plan accordingly.