In Ireland, there is no fixed retirement age, but most employees retire around 65.

As an employer, understanding retirement age policies and their impact on your team is crucial. Factors like employment contracts, pension schemes, and financial readiness play a significant role in determining when your employees might retire.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about retirement age in Ireland and how you can support your employees as they plan for their future.

What is the Retirement Age in Ireland?

Ireland does not have a legally mandated retirement age.

Most employers establish retirement age policies within employment contracts, and certain professions or sectors may have their own specific regulations regarding retirement age.

Typically, 65 is considered the retirement age. 

Why is 65 Commonly Seen as the Retirement Age in Ireland?

Here are two reasons why:

• Historical alignment with the State Pension age: For decades, Ireland’s State Pension age was 65, making it a standard benchmark for retirement. It refers to the age when the State Pension payments kick in. While the State Pension age has been 66 since 2014, many employment contracts and pension schemes continue to reflect the earlier standard.

• NRA in occupational pension schemes: Many occupational pension schemes use 65 as the Normal Retirement Age (NRA). The NRA is the age at which members are typically expected to retire and begin receiving their pension benefits, as outlined by the scheme's rules. 

While these historical norms have shaped retirement practices in Ireland, recent developments are paving the way for significant changes to your employees’ retirement age.

Upcoming Changes to Retirement Age Policies in Ireland

In 2024, the Irish government began drafting the Employment (Restriction of Certain Mandatory Retirement Ages) Bill 2024. 

Once enacted, this legislation will prohibit you, as an employer, from setting a mandatory retirement age below the State Pension age (66 in 2025) unless your employee consents to retire earlier.

The bill aims to align employment practices with the State Pension age, promote fairness across public and private sectors, and support an age-diverse workforce.

Let’s now look at the retirement ages for various professions and employment sectors. 

Various Retirement Ages for Employees in Ireland

As an employer, understanding the different retirement age categories helps manage your workforce and stay compliant with legislation. 

Retirement age in Ireland falls into the following categories:

• Contractual retirement age 

• Statutory retirement age

• Retirement age for public sector workers

• Retirement age for self-employed workers

Here’s a closer look at each one:

1. Contractual Retirement Age 

For most professions, employers can set a mandatory retirement age in contracts, often 65. 

You may offer early retirement options starting at 60 (or even 55) or permit early retirement for health reasons.

You can enforce a contractual retirement age as long as it complies with the Employment Equality Act 2015. According to this employment law, the retirement age must be objectively justified with a legitimate aim, such as:

• Health and safety in demanding roles.

• Workforce planning or intergenerational fairness.

If the objective justification is insufficient, your employees can file complaints with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).

Can Your Employees Work Past the Retirement Age?

If an employee wants to keep working after their contractual retirement age, they should make their request at least three months before their retirement date. This gives you time to meet and discuss their request.

If you decide to approve it, you can typically offer a fixed-term contract of employment. Be sure to include:

• How long the contract will last.

• The reason for extending their employment (e.g., business needs or specific projects).

If you need to refuse the request, you should:

• Meet with the employee to explain the reasons behind your decision.

• Allow them to discuss or challenge these reasons before making your final decision.

• Offer them a chance to appeal, if needed, with the support of a colleague or union representative.

Follow the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission’s (IHREC) guidelines to stay fair and avoid age discrimination claims. These guidelines also provide advice on using fixed-term contracts for older employees who want to stay on.

2. Statutory Retirement Age

Some professions have a statutory retirement age. 

This means that the retirement age is legally defined. Employers must adhere to these regulations.

For instance, members of the Garda Síochána and Defence Forces must retire by 62, though those who joined after 2004 may choose to retire at 55.

3. Retirement Age for Public Sector Workers

The retirement age for public sector employees in Ireland varies based on their joining date:

• Joined before 1 April 2004: These employees have a compulsory retirement age of 70 — subject to health and suitability. 

• Joined between 1 April 2004 and 31 December 2012: This group typically has no compulsory retirement age, allowing them to continue working beyond 65, subject to suitability and health considerations. 

• Joined on or after 1 January 2013: For these employees, the minimum retirement age aligns with the State Pension age, currently 66, with a mandatory retirement age of 70. 

4. Retirement Age for Self-Employed Workers

Self-employed individuals in Ireland generally do not have a standard age of retirement, allowing them to choose when to retire. 

However, certain professions have specific guidelines. 

For example, General practitioners (GPs) must retire from the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme at 72. They can continue private practice if they meet the Medical Council's 'fitness to practise' criteria. 

If you are a company director, check your company’s Articles of Association to see if there is an upper age limit for directors.

5 FAQs on Retiring in Ireland

Here are answers to some common questions your employees—or you as an employer—might have about retirement in Ireland:

1. What Income Can Employees Expect When They Retire?

Employees retiring in Ireland can expect income from sources like the State Pension, occupational pensions, and personal pensions. 

Understanding these options helps you guide your team.

• State Pension: 

  • State Pension (Contributory): 

    • The Irish State Pension (Contributory) is a weekly payment based on your employee’s PRSI (Pay Related Social Insurance) record. 

    • Your employee’s entitlement to the State Pension (Contributory) is proportionate to the number of full-rate PRSI contributions made and their retirement date.

    • In 2025, the maximum weekly personal rate for individuals under 80 is €289.30. For those aged 80 and over, the maximum weekly personal rate is €299.30.

• State Pension (Non-Contributory): 

  • The Non-Contributory State Pension is a means-tested payment provided to older people (aged 66 and above) who don’t meet the eligibility requirements for the contributory pension. 

  • The eligibility and pension rate are determined by the individual's means and financial circumstances. The Department of Social Protection determines this. 

  • In 2025, the maximum weekly rate for State Pension (Non-Contributory) for individuals aged 66 to 79 is €278. For those who are 80 and over, it’s €288.

• Occupational Pension Schemes: As an employer, you can offer occupational pension schemes to help your employees save for retirement. These workplace pension plans can be a valuable addition to your employee benefits package, enhancing recruitment and retention. With Kota, you can easily set up a compliant Irish workplace pension scheme in minutes. Explore Kota Pensions today.  

• Personal Pensions: These are privately funded options, such as PRSAs, and depend on individual contributions and investment performance.

• Annuities: In Ireland, annuities are a popular choice for retirees seeking a steady and guaranteed income during their retirement. One of the advantages of annuities offered by insurance companies is that your employee can turn a lump sum of their pension savings into a reliable income stream for a specified period.

 2. What Social Welfare Benefits Are Available to Your Employees On Retirement?

Apart from the State Pension, retirees in Ireland may have access to various social welfare benefit payments based on their specific circumstances. Some of these are:

• Medical cards

• Housing supports

• Fuel allowance

• Housing benefits package

• Carer’s allowance

• Living alone allowance

These benefits are subject to eligibility criteria. Your employees should consult the latest guidelines to determine their entitlements.

3. What Is the Irish Auto Enrolment Retirement Scheme?

The Irish government plans to launch the Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme in September 2025. Under this scheme, employees not currently enrolled in a workplace pension will be automatically added to one.

Check out our Irish Auto-Enrolment Pension guide for more information.

4. How Can Employers Support Employees with Retirement Planning?

Employers can play a pivotal role in assisting employees with retirement planning by:

• Implementing and contributing to occupational pension schemes to support your employees' retirement savings.

• Sharing up-to-date resources on retirement income options and upcoming changes, such as the Auto Enrolment scheme.

• Organizing workshops or providing access to financial advisors to help employees make informed decisions.

5. Does Your Employee Have to Retire at 67 in Ireland?

That depends on your employee’s contract. 

As an employer, you have the discretion to specify a mandatory retirement age in your contract of employment, provided it is objectively justified and complies with equality legislation. 

While the State Pension age is currently 66 years of age, it does not dictate the age of retirement within your organization. 

It's essential to clearly communicate any mandatory retirement policies to your employees and ensure they are included in employment contracts. 

Retirement Done Right: For You and Your Employees

In Ireland, the decision to retire is often up to the individual, but clear communication and proper planning are key.

As an employer, ensure your employment contracts clearly outline any mandatory retirement ages or early retirement provisions. This helps you avoid misunderstandings or legal issues. Open conversations with your employees can also provide clarity and build trust.

Moreover, by offering tools like occupational pensions, you can help your employees transition confidently into their retirement years. 

Join Kota to enrol your team in a compliant occupational pension scheme in minutes.