Skip to content International mobility has become a structural component of modern career paths. More and more workers spend part of their careers in countries other than Italy, paying social security contributions to foreign institutions. At the time of retirement, this situation can create doubts, uncertainty, and practical difficulties. International pensions require a proper reconstruction of one’s contribution history and knowledge of the regulations applicable in different legal systems.
Our guide can help you resolve your doubts on the subject. The goal is to:
- illustrate the main operating mechanisms;
- the relevant regulations;
- the services available to assist workers with international pensions.
In particular, it explores the analysis of the pension situation in Italy and abroad, the submission of pension applications, and the aggregation of contribution years accrued outside national borders.
What is meant by international pensions?
An international pension refers to a situation in which a worker has paid social security contributions in two or more countries during their working life. This applies both to Italian citizens who have worked abroad and to foreign citizens who have worked in Italy.
An international pension is not a single pension paid by one institution. In general, each country pays a pension amount proportional to the contributions paid into its own social security system. However, thanks to specific agreements and regulations, insurance periods accrued in different countries can be aggregated in order to meet the minimum requirements for pension entitlement.
The regulation of international pensions is based on a complex framework of national and supranational rules. The main regulatory references are:
- Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004 and Regulation (EC) No. 987/2009, which coordinate social security systems within the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland;
- Bilateral social security agreements signed by Italy with non-EU countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil;
- Italian social security legislation, in particular Legislative Decree No. 503/1992 and Law No. 214/2011, which govern requirements and procedures for access to pension benefits.
These legal instruments allow for the aggregation of contribution periods and establish rules for submitting applications and calculating benefits.
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Analysis of the pension situation in Italy and abroad
The first essential step for anyone with an international career is the analysis of their pension situation. This activity consists of the complete reconstruction of employment periods and contributions paid in each country.
This analysis makes it possible to:
- verify the accuracy of contribution records with INPS and foreign institutions;
- identify any missing or incorrectly credited periods;
- estimate pension entitlement and retirement age;
- evaluate the available options, such as aggregation, transfer of contributions, or separate pensions.
An accurate assessment is essential to avoid delays, errors, or the risk of losing entitlement to benefits earned over time.
Applying for a pension in Italy or abroad
Submitting a pension application in an international context requires particular attention. Within the EU, workers can submit their application either in their country of residence or in the last country where they worked. The competent social security institution will then forward the request to the other countries involved.
In the case of non-EU countries, the procedure depends on the applicable bilateral agreement. The application could be submitted to INPS, which acts as an intermediary with the foreign institution. In other cases, it is necessary to apply directly to the foreign social security authority.
Qualified assistance is particularly useful for:
- correctly completing the application forms;
- meeting the required deadlines;
- providing the necessary documentation, such as contribution certificates and employment records.
Aggregation of contribution years abroad
Contribution aggregation is a mechanism that allows contributions paid abroad to be transferred into the Italian social security system. This option is not always available and depends both on the country involved and on current regulations.
As an alternative to transferring contributions, mechanisms such as international totalization allow contribution periods to be combined without transferring financial resources. The choice between transfer and totalization must be carefully evaluated, as it can significantly affect the final pension amount.
A preliminary analysis makes it possible to identify the most advantageous solution based on the worker’s contribution history and objectives.
International pensions: mistakes to avoid
International pensions involve some recurring challenges. Among the most common are:
- difficulties in obtaining foreign documentation;
- differences in age and contribution requirements between countries;
- longer processing times compared to domestic pensions;
- communication problems between social security institutions.
Handling these complexities without adequate support can result in significant delays in pension payments.
International Pensions Consulting
To meet the needs of those who have paid contributions in Italy and abroad, Studio A&P provides a structured and personalized service aimed at guiding workers through every stage of their pension journey. The goal is to reduce risks and simplify procedures.
The service includes:
- Analysis of the pension situation in Italy and abroad, including verification of contribution records and pension entitlement simulations;
- Assistance with pension applications in Italy or abroad, from completing the application to monitoring the process.
Support for the transfer or totalization of foreign contribution years, with an evaluation of the most advantageous solution.
You can consult it in more detail here.