Redeeming Fictional Years for Pension: What You Need to Know

Redeeming fictional years is an important option for insured individuals who wish to complete the necessary years of insurance for retirement. The process is done electronically via gov.gr or by application to EFKA.

Which years can be redeemed:

• Military service
• Children (for parents)
• Studies (AEI/TEI)
• Gaps in employment
• Unemployment benefit (up to 300 days)
• Illness (up to 200 days)
• Parental leave
• Apprenticeship

The redemption cost varies depending on the category of the insured (employee, self-employed, farmer) and their employment status.

Cost calculation:

• Employees: 20% of the insurable earnings of the previous year. Minimum cost (from April 1, 2025): 176 euros/month.
• Civil servants: 20% of the basic salary.
• Self-employed/Farmers: Monthly contribution for the pension sector.

Possibility to "lock in" the cost: The application can be submitted earlier to "lock in" the cost based on current earnings.

Fictional years: Periods that do not correspond to actual work but are counted for pension purposes.