Pension in Spain for foreigners: age, contributions, amounts and work in Russia or Ukraine

Pension age and contributions in 2026

A contributory pension requires at least 15 years of contributions, 2 of them within the last 15 years before retiring[1]. Periods are counted from Social Security contributions, so get your number as soon as you start working: social security number in Spain.

How much: minimum and maximum pensions in 2026

Monthly amounts in 14 payments, our conversion of the annual figures in Real Decreto 241/2026[2]. The maximum pension is €3,359.60 a month[2]. Pensions rose by 2.7% in 2026[2].

Not everyone gets the top-up to the minimum. In 2026 the pensioner's other income must not exceed €9,442 a year, or €11,013 for the couple with a dependent spouse[2]. For pensions granted since 2013, the top-up requires living in Spain[2].

Will work in Russia, Ukraine and other countries count

The agreements apply only to contributory pensions. Periods and residence in Russia or Ukraine do not count for the non-contributory pension[3][4]. If you worked in Russia or Ukraine, you apply for the Spanish pension on the form for agreements and EU regulations, not the ordinary J-6 form {11}.

The agreements with Russia and Ukraine are listed as in force by Social Security, with no record of termination[5]. We found no official data on how pensions are transferred between Spain and Russia in practice today.

Non-contributory pension: with no contribution record

The non-contributory retirement pension in 2026 is €8,803.20 a year, or €628.80 a month in 14 payments[2]. It is reduced if you have other income, but not below 25% of the full amount[1]. Tenants receive an extra €525 a year[2].

• Age 65 or over[1].
• Income below the legal limit[1].
• Legal residence in Spain for 10 years from age 16, including 2 consecutive years immediately before applying[1].

In Catalonia it is claimed from the Departament de Drets Socials i Inclusió through the gencat portal or by appointment at its offices[7].

Ukrainians with temporary protection

The non-contributory pension needs 10 years of legal residence. Temporary protection has existed since 2022, so without earlier residence in Spain those 10 years cannot be reached before 2032. We found no official guidance on whether time under temporary protection counts as legal residence.

For the contributory pension, work in Ukraine counts under the 1996 agreement, which applies to Ukrainian citizens[3]. How to move from temporary protection to an ordinary permit: temporary protection for Ukrainians.

Tax on a Russian or Ukrainian pension

A Spanish tax resident declares worldwide income, and a foreign pension is taxed under IRPF as employment income[8]. Which country taxes it depends on the double tax treaty.

• Russia: a private-sector pension is taxed only in Spain; a public-service pension is taxed in Russia and exempt in Spain but taken into account for the rate[8][9]. Russia's 2023 suspension of some treaty articles is not reflected in official Spanish sources.
• Ukraine: the new 2020 treaty is not in the BOE collection, so the 1985 USSR agreement applies. Under its text an ordinary pension is taxed in the country of residence and a public-service pension in the paying country {10}. The tax agency has no guide for Ukraine, so check your case with a tax adviser.

When you become a tax resident: the 183-day rule; the treaty with Russia in detail: double taxation Russia and Spain.

How to apply for a pension in Spain

• Apply to the INSS: online through Tu Seguridad Social, by post or by appointment at a CAISS centre {11}.
• You can apply up to 3 months before you stop working or within 3 months after {11}.
• Foreigners need a TIE or passport and NIE; for the minimum top-up, a Central Register of Foreigners certificate or the TIE {11}.

If you move to Spain already retired and live on a pension from another country, the non-lucrative residence permit usually fits: non-lucrative residence for pensioners.

How we can help

The ReloVictory team in Barcelona helps pensioners move: we check whether the pension is enough for non-lucrative residence, prepare the documents and explain the tax side together with our partners. More: non-lucrative residence, prices: our fees.

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ReloVictory · Sources reviewed 29.10.2026 · Not a substitute for individual legal advice.