Pension reform in 2025 has raised the retirement age to 64, but certain professions are exempt from this rule, allowing for earlier retirement. Workers with long careers, those in high-risk jobs, disabled individuals, and employees in specific former regimes can retire sooner under various criteria. Additionally, professions marked by significant hardship or stress also qualify for early retirement, recognizing the unique challenges they face in their roles.
Pension Reform and Early Retirement: What You Need to Know
In 2025, the pension reform continues to spark intense discussions. The legal retirement age has been raised to 64 years, leaving many workers concerned about extending their careers to secure a full pension. However, it’s important to note that certain professions are exempt from this new rule. Thanks to the challenging nature of their work or specific regulatory provisions, some professionals can retire earlier than the legal age. Their unique schemes enable them to step back from their careers sooner.
Who Qualifies for Early Retirement?
Curious about the exact rules surrounding early retirement? You might be surprised to learn that the pension reform doesn’t apply uniformly to all professions. As highlighted by various sources, some careers still retain the ability to benefit from early retirement—perhaps even you or someone you know falls into this category. Below, we outline the professions eligible for early retirement and the criteria that allow them to take advantage of this option.
1. Long Careers
Individuals who began working before the age of 21 can benefit from the ‘long career’ scheme, enabling them to retire earlier than the legal age. Depending on when they started their careers, they may be able to retire at ages 58, 60, 62, or 63—up to six years ahead of the 64-year benchmark. This scheme is designed to ensure that those who began working at a young age do not have to toil for more than 45 years. To qualify, individuals must have contributed a specific number of quarters without long gaps in their employment history. This is a significant advantage for many workers and employees!
2. Dangerous Professions
Certain high-risk professions, such as police officers, firefighters, military personnel, and prison officers, enjoy the right to early retirement. Due to the inherent dangers and daily stresses associated with their jobs, these workers can retire as early as 57 years, depending on their specific role. This provision is essential to prevent physical wear and tear and maintain the operational effectiveness of these vital services. For instance, a firefighter who started their career at 20 can exit the workforce significantly earlier than an office employee in the private sector.
3. Disabled Workers
Individuals with a disability rating of at least 50% can retire as early as 55 years. This policy acknowledges the additional challenges they face, whether related to physical demands or workplace adaptations. Eligibility is primarily determined by the disability percentage and the duration of contributions made. This provision serves to compensate for a career that may be both shorter and more strenuous.
4. Former Special Regimes
While some special retirement regimes have been phased out for new hires, those already in these positions continue to enjoy favorable conditions. Employees at organizations like RATP, the Bank of France, and EDF who were hired before September 1, 2023, can still retire before reaching the age of 64. For these workers, the transition to the new retirement age is gradual, avoiding an abrupt change—this is often referred to as the ‘grandfather clause.’
5. Professions with High Hardship
Certain jobs, characterized by extreme fatigue or stress, justify earlier retirement. For example, caregivers who endure physically demanding tasks and challenging hours can retire sooner. Air traffic controllers, tasked with significant cognitive responsibilities and high-pressure environments, are also eligible for early retirement. Moreover, sewage workers, who regularly deal with unsanitary conditions, qualify as well. This recognition underscores the importance of mental and physical health in the workplace.