A pension system is essential for a secure financial future; careful planning ensures the necessary resources to enjoy retirement, whether through travel or caring for loved ones.
To help you create a plan that fits your goals and the lifestyle you desire, we’ve created a mini guide to help you make the necessary decisions to build the future you want.
Differences between pension pillars
The pension system in Romania is complex, and it is never too early to get informed about it so you can create a financially stress-free future in retirement.
How Does the Pension System in Romania Work? The pension system is structured on four pillars. Each pillar is associated with a different type of pension.
Pillar 1 – state pension scheme
Pillar 1 represents the state pension or, in other words, the public pension system. This pillar is regulated by Law No. 263/2010 regarding the public pension system.
As a redistributive system, the state pension is based on contributions to the Pillar 1 fund from all working individuals who earn an income. The social security contribution (CAS) is 25% of the monthly gross income.
A scoring system determines your pension eligibility and amount. It considers several factors, including work history, working environment, and the type of work you performed.
Pillar 1 operates on the contribution principle. Today’s active population contributes to fund current pensions.
When do you benefit from Pillar 1 pension?
The public pension system includes four types of pensions:
Old-age pension
People receive this pension when they reach the required retirement age. Legislators recently changed the rules, and starting in 2035, both men and women will retire at age 65.
Early pension
This can be granted up to 5 years before reaching the retirement age. It is available to people who have completed a 15-year contribution period or who have exceeded the contribution period by up to 5 years. Starting September 1, 2024, early pensions can no longer be obtained without penalties.
Disability pension
This pension is granted to individuals who have lost (either partially or totally) their work capacity due to occupational diseases, workplace accidents, or even regular illnesses and accidents unrelated to the workplace. There are three levels of disability: severe, medium, and mild.
Survivor’s pension
This pension is granted to the children or surviving spouse of a deceased pensioner or a person who met the retirement conditions before death.
Pillar 2 – privately managed pension scheme
The mandatory private pension, also known as Pillar 2, is regulated by Law No. 411/2004 on privately managed pension funds.
Whether employed or self-employed, individuals under 35 years old who earn professional income participate in Pillar 2. Those between 35 and 45 years old can continue contributing to Pillar 2 if they wish.
The Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) is responsible for supervising and controlling the administrators of mandatory private pensions. Contributions to the privately managed pension fund have varied since 2008, when it was first implemented. In 2008, the contribution to the privately managed pension fund was 2% of the calculation base. By 2024, the contribution will be 4.75%, with potential increases in the future.
Individuals contribute to a privately managed pension fund through their social insurance contribution (CAS). The fund collects this percentage from the 25% of gross income that individuals contribute to CAS. Employees can choose their private pension fund within 4 months of their first employment. If employees don’t make a choice, they are randomly assigned to one of the 7 existing private pension funds.
In some sectors and industries, exceptions apply to the general rules of Pillar 2. For example, individuals working in the IT industry can choose whether the difference between the old amount and the 2024 amount goes toward their salary or Pillar 2. If they choose the salary, the contribution to Pillar 2 will be smaller.
Pillar 2 investments
Funds from Pillar 2 are invested by their administrators in:
- Government bonds (approximately 58.97%)
- Stocks (24.64%)
- Corporate bonds (8.61%)
- Investment funds (2.88%)
- Other limited-risk instruments, in accordance with the ASF regulations and applicable legislation.
When Can You Benefit from Pillar 2 Pension?
The accumulated amount in the mandatory private pension account can be accessed in the following situations:
- Upon retirement after reaching the required age.
- In case of disability, regardless of the disability level.
If the person who contributed to the mandatory private pension fund passes away, the legal heirs can claim the accumulated amount. In this case, there are two options for the heirs who wish to access the money accumulated in Pillar 2:
- A one-time lump sum payment.
- Monthly payments, spread over a maximum of 5 years.
Pillar 3 – optional private pension scheme
Pillar 3 of the Romanian pension system is optional. Regulated by Law No. 204/2006 regarding optional pensions, it complements Pillars 1 and 2.
Pillar 3 it is optional. Contributions to Pillar 3 are separate from the CAS and are voluntarily made.
To contribute to Pillar 3 and receive an additional income during retirement, individuals can directly approach an investment fund administrator of their choice.
Contributions to Pillar 3 are discretionary and can be up to 15% of the monthly gross income. Employees and self-employed individuals can contribute on their own, but the employer can also contribute as an extra benefit offered in the employment contract.
Contributions to Pillar 3 are deductible from income tax based on the investment fund participation agreement, up to a maximum of 400 euros (calculated in RON) for a fiscal year.
As with Pillar 2, participation in Pillar 3 means contributing to a pension fund that will benefit the individual based on the investment results achieved by the fund’s administrator. Unlike Pillar 2, Pillar 3 offers the opportunity to choose the fund’s risk level. You can interrupt or resume contributions at any time, and you have more freedom to transfer between existing funds in the market, with 8 administrators of voluntary private pension funds to choose from.
When can you benefit from an optional private pension?
Unlike Pillars 1 and 2, you can withdraw money from Pillar 3 at any time after reaching the age of 60 or if you qualify for a disability pension.
When it comes to payments, you can choose a lump sum payment or monthly payments, with a maximum of 60 months of equal monthly payments. In case of the account holder’s death, payments will be made to the legal heirs.
Pillar 4 – occupational private pension
Pillar 4 is an occupational pension system established by the employer and regulated by Law No. 1/2020 regarding occupational pensions.
To participate in an occupational pension fund, the occupational activity carried out under an employment contract must entitle the individual to this type of pension. Criteria for accessing an occupational private pension include work experience, salary level, and career level.
As an optional pension, the employer determines contributions to Pillar 4, although employees can also contribute to this fund after 3 years of employment.
The 3-year term refers to the period from joining the pension fund during which the employer is responsible for the contributions. After 3 years, ownership and contributions belong to the employee, according to the collective labor agreement and the management contract.
Special pensions
Special pensions, granted to certain professional occupations, are not dependent on employee contributions to the pension fund. These occupations have their own pension systems with different rules. Occupations that benefit from special pension systems include military personnel, judges, members of parliament, diplomats, intelligence service staff, and aviation personnel.
Private pension providers
The ASF regulates the administrators and providers of private pensions, who are authorized institutions. Their responsibilities include the payment of initial, annual, or increased contributions to the Guarantee Fund.
Private pension providers – Pillar 2
- Allianz Tiriac
- NN Pension
- Generali
- BRD
- Carpathian Pension
- BCR Pension
- Metropolitan Life
Private pension providers – Pillar 3
- Allianz Tiriac
- NN Pension
- Generali
- BRD Pension
- BT Pension
- BCR Pension
- Raiffeisen Asset Management
- Carpathian Pension
Pension providers – Pillar 4
- BCR Pension