Retirement
RVU and "healthy towards retirement"
Early retirement remains possible within clear limits. The RVU threshold exemption will rise to 2,573 euro per month in 2026. Above that threshold, the pseudo-final tax goes up to 57.7 per cent in 2026, increasing further thereafter.
The message for employers: use the space where suitable, but make realistic agreements and calculate well.
Tip:
Review senior policy and create calculation examples for employees who want to retire.
Note:
Check the knock-on effect in CLA agreements and internal schemes.
At a glance
- Status: Proposed continuation and adjustment
- Effective date: 1 January 2026
- What is changing: Threshold exemption to 2,573 euro per month; pseudo-final tax above threshold up.
- Impact for HR: Cost impact in above-threshold schemes.
- Actions:
- Update the FAQ and calculation tool.
- Record decision-making and criteria.
- Risk in doing nothing: Unforeseen employer charges and expectations not correctly managed.
Transitional rule on pension schemes without state pension franchise
The transitional rule for schemes with no state pension franchise will be extended until 1 January 2028. This gives extra time to align with the tax framework of the Future Pensions Act (Wtp).
Specifically, the temporary widening for 18 to 20-year-olds continues to apply to existing schemes with no state pension franchise.
Tip:
Plan a migration path towards 2028 and secure it with a fund and an insurer.
Note:
After 1 January 2028, the transitional rule expires permanently.
At a glance
- Status: Renewed
- Effective date: Until 1 January 2028
- What is changing: More time to align with Wtp framework; temporary extension for 18-20 years remains for existing schemes.
- Impact for HR: More space in planning, but precise end date.
- Actions: Record planning and decision-making. Update pension communications.
- Risk in doing nothing: Fiscal non-compliance after 2028.