Why Some Countries Have Retirement Ages Below 60: A Global Overview Including France

Retiring at 57 or 58 sounds like a dream compared to the rising retirement ages in developed nations. While countries like France are gradually pushing retirement ages upward, several nations worldwide still maintain surprisingly low pension eligibility thresholds. Here’s a look at where workers can leave the workforce earliest and what their pension systems actually provide.

Asia Leads With the Youngest Retirement Options

Indonesia: 57 and Climbing

Indonesia currently allows both men and women to retire at 57, though this age is on an upward trajectory. Starting in 2024, the retirement age increased to 58, and will rise by one year every three years until reaching 65 in 2043. Private sector workers contribute to the state-run social security program and can choose between a lump sum payment or a combination of immediate and periodic payments upon retirement.

India: 58 to 60 Depending on Your Job

The retirement landscape in India varies by sector. Most workers retire between 58 and 60 years old, with government employees at the central level retiring at 60. Different states have their own variations—Kerala raised government worker retirement to 60 in 2020, a pattern other states have since adopted. India’s system includes the Employees’ Pension Scheme (requiring age 58 and 10 years of contributions) and the Employees Provident Fund (accessible at age 55), though these programs only cover about 12% of the workforce, primarily government and large company employees.

Middle East and Eastern Europe: Competitive Early Retirement Ages

Saudi Arabia: 58 for Both Genders

Saudi Arabia permits both men and women to retire at 58 after contributing to the mandatory public pension system for at least 10 years (120 months). Alternatively, workers with 25 years of contributions (300 months) can retire at any age. A notable 20% increase in minimum pensions was implemented in 2023, providing better security for retirees.

China: 45 to 60 Depending on Work Type

China’s retirement age structure is highly stratified by occupation. Men retire at 60, while women face variable ages: 55 for white-collar work, 50 for blue-collar positions, and as early as 45 for certain physically demanding roles. The pension system operates in two tiers: the basic pension (paying 1% of average wages per coverage year for those with 15+ years of contributions) and the defined contribution pension (8% of annual wages channeled into individual accounts, with payouts based on age and national life expectancy).

Russia: 60 and 55, Though This Is Changing

Currently, men retire at 60 and women at 55 in Russia. However, the government has announced plans to gradually raise these ages to 65 for men and 60 for women by 2028, reflecting demographic pressures. The system allows early retirement for workers meeting service requirements (42 years for men, 37 for women), though pension claims cannot begin until the standard retirement ages. All workers contribute to social security and must have at least 8 years of contributions to claim benefits.

Turkey: Transitioning to 65

Turkish men currently retire at 60 and women at 58. Recent reforms, implemented in 2023, changed eligibility rules for those who first enrolled before September 8, 1999, allowing them to retire with 25 years of contributions (men) or 20 years (women). Turkey is gradually raising its target retirement age to 65 for both genders by 2044, restructuring its system after major pension law changes in 1999.

Americas and Africa: Moderate to Standard Ages

South Africa: 60 Across the Board

South African men and women can claim a state pension at 60 through a means-tested “older person’s grant,” requiring limited income and assets. Private pension systems, funded by employers and employees, offer supplementary options beyond the public program.

Colombia: 62 for Men, 57 for Women

Colombia maintains a dual-track pension system: a public pay-as-you-go scheme and a private individual account plan. Workers can switch between systems every five years (until 10 years before retirement) but cannot participate in both simultaneously. This flexibility allows workers to optimize based on their circumstances.

Costa Rica: 65 With Flexible Partial Options

Costa Ricans reaching 65 can claim old-age pensions if they’ve contributed for at least 25 years (300 months). Those with 15-25 years of contributions receive a proportional pension. The system includes supplementary individual account pensions and voluntary defined contribution options, providing multiple pathways to retirement income.

Austria and the European Standard

Austria exemplifies the Western European approach: men retire at 65, while women currently retire at 60 (rising to 65 by 2033). The defined benefit system requires at least 15 years (180 months) of contributions. Low-income retirees receive supplemental payments to meet a minimum income threshold. Like France and other developed economies, Austria is gradually aligning retirement ages upward due to longer life expectancies and pension fund sustainability concerns.

Why Global Retirement Ages Are Rising

The pattern is clear: the youngest retirement ages cluster in developing economies, while advanced nations—including France—are pushing retirement ages toward 65 or beyond. This reflects demographic realities: aging populations and increased life expectancies strain pension systems built on younger, larger workforce contributions. Countries with low retirement ages face mounting pressure to adjust, as we’ve seen in Russia, Turkey, and Indonesia’s announced reforms.

Two Core Pension Models

Most systems fall into two categories. Defined contribution plans require workers to pay a percentage of earnings into individual or collective funds, with benefits based on contribution years, age, and other factors. Defined benefit plans guarantee a specific benefit level regardless of market performance. Understanding your country’s model is crucial—it determines how long you must work and what income to expect.

The Bottom Line

While retiring at 57 seems luxurious compared to working until 65 or 70 in countries like France, actually claiming those pensions requires meeting strict contribution thresholds. Most countries impose 10-25 year minimum service requirements, meaning early retirement ages only benefit those who start their careers young and stay in the system consistently. Planning ahead remains essential, regardless of your country’s official retirement age.