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On January 1, 2026, nursing professions were included in the Heavy Labor Regulation. Specifically, this means that if you meet the requirements, you can retire as early as age 60. However, you must take action yourself.
Since January 1, 2026, nursing professions in Austria have been classified as heavy labor. The Ministry of Social Affairs expects this regulation to result in around 1,000 women retiring early each year, as explained to 5 Minuten. Meanwhile, Austria’s major hospital associations are not really concerned that there could suddenly be a shortage of nurses. One reason for this is the difficulty for nursing staff to meet the requirements for the heavy labor pension, according to KAGes in Styria in response to an inquiry from 5 Minuten. Read more here: Early retirement: Why hospitals are not worried.
Heavy labor hours must be actively applied for
The Vorarlberg Chamber of Labor (AK) is now explaining to all those affected that although early retirement is possible, they have to take action to make it happen. Even if you meet the requirements, you will not automatically receive your pension, and recognition of heavy work hours, for example, will not happen automatically either. You must actively prove the latter and apply to the pension insurance fund before you can benefit from the new regulation. Incidentally, this regulation states that nursing staff can retire at the age of 60 with almost no reduction in their pension, provided they have 45 years of insurance and have performed heavy work for at least 120 months (ten years) within the last 20 years – and can provide evidence of this.
Requirements for the heavy labor pension in Austria:
- Possible from the age of 60
- Heavy labor performed
- 120 months of heavy labor (ten years) within the 240 months (20 years) prior to retirement
- A total of 540 insurance months (45 years) accumulated
- Not compulsorily insured with the pension insurance fund at the time of retirement
- No other self-employed or employed work with a salary above the marginal earnings threshold
- No agricultural or forestry business with a unit value of more than €2,400
- No more than €5,550.92 per month from a public mandate (e.g., mayor)
“The daily strain of everyday care work is finally being recognized.”
Bernhard Heinzle, President of the Vorarlberg Chamber of Labor, sees the recognition of care work as heavy labor as “the result of years of effort by employee representatives.” He adds: “The daily strain of everyday care work, whether in hospitals or long-term care, is finally receiving the recognition and legal classification it deserves.” In the past, recognition of heavy labor was mainly limited to areas such as hospice and palliative care, which is why many employees in general care received negative decisions, according to Franz Beck, head of the social law department at AK Vorarlberg. In an interview with 5 Minuten, the pensioners’ representatives also find little to complain about. Read all about it here: Early retirement: “This is a real milestone.”
Previously rejected? It may be worth submitting a new application
Incidentally, Beck knows that previous reasons for rejection are now irrelevant. According to him, it would therefore be worthwhile to review cases that have already been rejected and, if necessary, submit a new application. “The changed legal situation clears the way where legal hurdles previously prevented recognition,” says the social law expert. To determine whether a new application would be worthwhile, the AK Vorarlberg now recommends an individual assessment – for example, directly with the Chamber of Labor experts.
The new heavy labor regulation applies to these individuals
The Pension Insurance Institution (PVA) also explains to whom the new regulation has actually applied since the beginning of the year. In addition to certified health and nursing professionals, this also includes nursing assistants. Part-time workers can also benefit from the heavy labor pension. The only requirement (in addition to those already mentioned above) is that they must have been employed for at least 50 percent of full-time hours.
Changes to pensions in Austria in 2026
Incidentally, a lot has changed in terms of pensions since 2026. In addition to the inclusion of nursing staff in the heavy labor regulation, there is also more money in the account (or cash in hand) each month, a completely new form of pension has been introduced, and the retirement age and insurance years for a corridor pension are slowly but steadily increasing. You can find an overview of all the changes here: Retire later, get more money: What will change in Austria in 2026.
- source: 5minuten.at/picture: pixabay.com
