senior-citizens

Pension Homologation in Spain: How to Validate your Pension

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The homologation of pensions in Spain is a process that allows foreign citizens to validate their years of contribution abroad in order to access a pension in the Spanish system. Thanks to bilateral Social Security agreements, it is possible to add the periods contributed in other countries to meet the requirements of Spanish legislation.

What is pension equalization?

Pension equalization is a mechanism that facilitates the recognition of contribution periods abroad, preventing workers from losing the rights acquired in their countries of origin. This is possible thanks to the Social Security agreements that Spain has signed with 26 countriesThe program allows citizens to benefit from their contributions even if they have worked in several countries.

General requirements to homologate a pension in Spain

To request the homologation of your pension, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Minimum age: Be at least 66 years and 8 months old in 2024 (according to current regulations).
  2. Quotation in Spain: Have contributed a minimum of 14 months in the Spanish Social Security system.
  3. Quotation in the country of origin: Have contributed in your country of origin long enough to generate pension rights.
  4. Legal residence in Spain: In some cases, the applicant is required to be legally resident in Spain in order to access certain complementary benefits.

Countries with Social Security Agreement with Spain

If you have worked in any of the following countries, you can benefit from the pension equalization system:

  • South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Peru. Venezuela.
  • North America: Canada, the United States and Mexico.
  • Rest of the world: Andorra, Australia, Cape Verde, China, Dominican Republic, Morocco, Moldova, Philippines, South Korea, Russia, Senegal, Tunisia and Ukraine.

How to apply for pension homologation in Spain?

There are several steps in the process of applying for a pension homologation:

  1. Consultation with Social Security: The first thing to do is to go to a Social Security office or access their website to verify the specific requirements according to your country of origin.
  2. Collection of documents: You must submit:
    • Passport or identity card.
    • Certificate of contribution in your country of origin.
    • Certificate of contributions issued by the Social Security in Spain
    • Corresponding forms
  3. Submission of the application: You can do it in person at the Social Security offices or telematically through its web portal.
  4. Evaluation and resolution: The administration will study your case and issue a resolution within an estimated three to six months.
  5. Pension collection: If the resolution is favorable, you will begin to receive your pension under the conditions established in the agreement with your country of origin.

Benefits of homologating your pension in Spain

Opting for pension equalization has multiple advantages, among them:

  • Recognition of your years of work abroadThe pension plan will ensure access to a pension in Spain.
  • Access to the Spanish public health care system in some cases, improving your quality of life during retirement.
  • Greater financial stabilityThe Spanish pension system guarantees the periodic payment of benefits.

Important considerations

Each case is different, and the conditions for homologation may vary depending on the specific agreement signed between Spain and the applicant's country of origin. Therefore, it is essential to have specialized advice to ensure that you meet all the requirements and that your procedure is handled efficiently.

At Ven EmigraWe have a team of experts in immigration and social security procedures that can help you manage your pension homologation request in a fast and safe way.

Do you need help to homologate your pension in Spain? Book a meeting with us and get the advice you need.