Quick Summary
- 1New retirement rules took effect in Brazil on January 1, 2026, introducing significant changes for workers approaching retirement age.
- 2The general rule now requires women to be at least 62 years old with 15 years of contributions, while men must be 65 with 20 years.
- 3For those who contributed before November 2019, transition rules apply with age limits increasing by six months in 2026: women need 59.5 years and men need 64.5 years.
- 4Minimum contribution times remain 30 years for women and 35 for men.
Quick Summary
Significant changes to retirement regulations took effect in Brazil in 2026. The modifications impact both general requirements and transition rules for workers who contributed before the 2019 reform.
Key updates include increased minimum age requirements and adjusted points thresholds. The changes specifically affect those who began contributing before November 2019, who must navigate transition rules that evolve annually until 2031.
Workers can choose the most beneficial rule for their situation. The INSS provides digital tools to calculate eligibility and expected benefits.
General Retirement Requirements
The general retirement rules established by the reform set specific minimum thresholds for age and contribution time. These requirements apply to workers who began contributing after the reform's approval in November 2019.
Women must reach a minimum age of 62 years and complete at least 15 years of contributions. Men face higher requirements, needing to be 65 years old with a minimum of 20 years of contributions.
These baseline requirements serve as the standard for new contributors, while those with earlier contribution histories follow different transition pathways.
Transition Rules for 2026
Workers who contributed before November 2019 follow transition rules that change annually until 2031. In 2026, these requirements increased by six months compared to 2025.
Age Requirements
The minimum age for retirement under transition rules increased to:
- 59.5 years for women
- 64.5 years for men
Contribution Time
Minimum contribution requirements remain:
- 30 years for women
- 35 years for men
Points System
The points system combines age and contribution time. For 2026, the minimum scores are:
- 93 points for women
- 103 points for men
Available Transition Pathways
Multiple transition options exist for workers to choose the most favorable route:
Contribution Time + Minimum Age
This rule features progressive age requirements that increase by six months annually. It requires 30 years of contributions for women and 35 years for men.
Age-Based Rule
Requires reaching 65 years for men and 62 years for women, with 15 years of contributions for both.
50% Surcharge
Designed for workers close to retirement in 2019, this rule requires working an additional 50% of the time remaining to meet contribution requirements. Minimum ages are 57 years for women and 60 years for men.
100% Surcharge
Requires completing the full remaining contribution time. While more demanding, this option may result in higher benefit values.
Points Rule
Calculates eligibility based on the sum of age and contribution time.
INSS Calculation Tools
The Instituto Nacional do Seguro Social (INSS) offers an online calculator to help workers determine their retirement timeline and eligibility.
The simulation tool uses data from the INSS database and allows users to include work history links and adjust birth dates. Results are for consultation purposes only and do not guarantee retirement rights.
How to Access the Calculator
- Log in to Meu INSS
- Enter CPF and password
- Click "Do que você precisa?" and type "Simular Aposentadoria"
- View simulations for all rules (pre- and post-reform)
- Click "Baixar PDF" for detailed information
Retirement requests can be completed entirely online without visiting an INSS office.
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2026, women must be at least 62 years old with 15 years of contributions, while men need 65 years with 20 years. For those who contributed before November 2019, transition rules require 59.5 years for women and 64.5 years for men.
The points system combines age and contribution time. In 2026, workers need 93 points (women) or 103 points (men) to qualify under this transition rule.
Yes, the INSS provides an online calculator through the Meu INSS portal. The tool shows simulations for all retirement rules and calculates when you become eligible.
