China is entering a new stage with major changes to its retirement rules. Starting in 2025, the official retirement age will no longer be fixed at 60 for men and 50 or 55 for women. 

The Chinese retirement age will gradually rise, with men from 60 to 63 and women from 50/55 to 55/58, reshaping when one can actually leave the workforce.

You’ll see why this shift matters as the country faces an aging population, pension pressures, and a decline in the number of young workers. 

By understanding how the new rules roll out between 2025 and 2040, you’ll know exactly how they affect your future plans and financial security.

Quick Takeaways 💡:

• What is “China's retirement age”? Current rules and ongoing reform.
• Current ages: Men 60; women white‑collar 55; women blue‑collar 50
• Reform timeline (2025–2040): Gradual increase to men 63, women white‑collar 58, women blue‑collar 55 
• Pension contribution changes: Minimum years rise from 15 to 20 starting on January 1, 2030 
• Flexibility: Early retirement (max 3 years early) and delayed retirement (with agreement) are permitted
• Why it matters: Demographic aging, pension sustainability, and workforce dynamics

Understanding China’s Current Retirement Age

In China, the official retirement ages are set by law and differ for men and women. These rules have been in place for decades and continue to shape when people leave the workforce. They reflect both social expectations and the country’s past economic conditions.

What Are the Current Statutory Ages?

The statutory retirement age in China varies for different individuals. It depends on your gender and the type of work you do.

• Men: 60 years old
• Women in white‑collar or managerial jobs: 55 years old
• Women in blue‑collar jobs: 50 years old

This system means women often retire earlier than men, especially if they work in physically demanding jobs. The rules apply broadly across industries, although some exceptions exist in special professions.

For example, women who are teachers, nurses, and office workers usually retire at 55. Women in factory or heavy labor roles retire at 50. 

Men across most sectors retire at 60. These ages are fixed by law and have not been updated to reflect longer life expectancy or modern workforce patterns.

Why These Ages?

The retirement ages were set in the 1950s. At that time, life expectancy in China was much lower than it is today. The government designed the policy to match the needs of the workforce and the health conditions of the population.

Several factors explain why these ages were chosen:

• Shorter life spans in the 1950s. Most people did not live as long as they do now.
• Economic needs. China needed to quickly bring younger workers into jobs.
• Gender roles. Women were expected to retire earlier, especially from physically demanding work.

These rules have remained in place despite life expectancy in China increasing to over 77 years. The original framework still influences retirement today, even as the country faces an aging population and discussions continue about raising the retirement age.

Why is China Changing Its Retirement Age?

China faces a growing challenge as more people live longer and fewer young people enter the workforce. 

At the same time, pension costs are rising faster than contributions, making the current system difficult to sustain in the long run.

Aging Population Pressures

You are seeing a rapid shift in China’s population structure. By 2021, nearly 19 percent of the population was over 60, and more than 14 percent was over 65. This share will continue to rise as life expectancy has already reached about 78 years.

The working-age population, those between 15 and 64, has begun to shrink. According to projections, China could lose around 30 million workers by 2025 compared with 2019.

This means fewer people are paying into the pension system while more people are drawing funds from it. The result is a higher dependency ratio, where each worker is supporting more retirees.

If you look at provinces like Anhui, the old-age dependency ratio grew from 14 percent in 2010 to 19 percent in 2018. This shows how quickly the balance between workers and retirees is changing.

Pension System Strain

China’s pension system mainly relies on a pay-as-you-go model. This means today’s workers and employers fund the pensions of today’s retirees. When the number of workers falls, the system struggles.

Analysts warn that without reforms, the main pension fund could face major shortfalls by around 2035. Pension expenditures are already growing faster than revenues in many provinces. For example, Anhui’s pension spending in 2020 was higher than its pension income.

To reduce the gap, policymakers are considering raising the retirement age. A later retirement age means:

• More years of contributions from workers
• Fewer years of payouts to retirees
• A slower pace of pension fund depletion

This adjustment helps delay financial pressure and gives the system more time to adapt to demographic changes.

Global Context

China’s current retirement ages, 60 for men and 55 for women, are among the lowest in the world. In practice, many retire even earlier, with an average age below 55.

Other countries have already raised retirement ages in response to longer life expectancies. For example:

• United States and Germany: 67
• Denmark: 74
• Italy and Estonia: 71

Compared with these, China’s retirement age looks outdated. By gradually increasing it, China aligns with global practices and adjusts to the reality of longer life expectancy.

This approach also helps maintain the labor force for longer, which supports economic growth and reduces the strain on public finances.

📌Also Read: What is 996 Work Culture & How It Impacts Employee Wellbeing

New Retirement Rules Taking Effect (2025–2040)

China is rolling out new retirement rules between 2025 and 2040 that will gradually raise the retirement age, extend contribution requirements, and allow more flexible retirement choices. 

These changes aim to strike a balance between pension fund sustainability and the needs of workers in various sectors.

Gradual Age Increases

Beginning January 1, 2025, the statutory retirement age will increase in steps. For men, the age increases by 1 month every 4 months until it reaches 63 years. 

Women in white-collar jobs will see their retirement age lifted to 58 years, while women in blue-collar jobs will gradually move to 55 years.

This phased approach spreads the adjustment over many years, easing the impact on workers nearing retirement. Instead of a sudden jump, you will see a slow shift that gives time to plan.

These increases reflect longer life expectancy and the need to strengthen pension fund stability.

Pension Contribution Period Changes

Starting in 2030, you will need a longer contribution history to qualify for full retirement benefits. 

The minimum contribution period increases from 15 years to 20 years, with a 6-month addition each year until the requirement is met.

This change means you will contribute for more years before becoming eligible to draw a pension. 

For example, if you began working later in life, you may need to extend your career to meet the threshold.

• Before 2030: 15 years minimum
• 2030 onward: +6 months each year
• Final requirement: 20 years minimum

By lengthening the contribution period, the system collects more revenue and reduces pressure on payouts, helping ensure that benefits remain available for future retirees.

📌Also Read: Retirement Benefits in China

Flexibility Options

The new rules also introduce more flexible retirement options. You can retire up to 3 years earlier than the statutory age if you have met both the contribution requirement and the original retirement age threshold.

You may also choose to delay retirement beyond the statutory age if both you and your employer agree. This option allows you to continue contributing and increase your final pension benefits.

Flexibility helps match retirement timing with personal circumstances. For example, those in good health and willing to work longer can benefit from higher pensions, while those with long contribution histories can step back earlier if needed.

Practical Implications

Raising the retirement age in China alters how companies manage their staff, how workers plan for their future, and how the economy adapts to an aging population. These changes affect both daily work decisions and long-term financial stability.

For Employers and HR

You need to prepare for longer employee careers. This means updating HR systems to track retirement eligibility by birthdate, since the new rules phase in gradually. 

Without clear tracking, mistakes in payroll, benefits, and pension contributions can cause compliance issues.

Workforce planning also becomes more complex. Older staff may stay in key roles longer, which can delay promotions for younger workers. 

You may need to create mid-career training so employees remain productive and engaged.

It is also important to adjust health and wellness programs. With more employees working into their 60s, you should expect higher demand for flexible schedules, ergonomic support, and medical benefits.

Key adjustments for HR include:

• Updating retirement tracking tools.
• Revising promotion and succession planning.
• Expanding health and wellness support.

For Employees

You will likely work longer before receiving full pension benefits. This means you need to review your financial planning. Saving more during your 40s and 50s can help you maintain stability when retirement is delayed.

Career planning also changes. You can develop new skills or shift roles to avoid burnout in later years. Part-time or flexible work options can make the transition smoother.

Leisure time and family plans may also be affected. If you expected to retire at 55 but now plan to work until 60, you will need to adjust your travel, caregiving, or personal projects.

Practical steps for you include:

• Reviewing pension contributions.
• Building savings outside the pension system.
• Considering health and lifestyle changes to stay active at work.

Societal Impact

China’s delayed retirement age supports the growth of the silver economy, which focuses on goods and services for older adults. As people work longer, they earn and spend more, which boosts consumer demand.

Older consumers often spend on healthcare, travel, and financial products. This creates new business opportunities and jobs. By extending working years, the government also reduces pressure on the pension system, which helps stabilize public finances.

Main effects include:

• Stronger consumer spending among the elderly.
• Growth in industries like healthcare and leisure.
• More sustainable pension funding is evident in studies on pension revenue and retirement age.

📌Also Read: Employment Contract in China: Guide for Employers and Employees

How to Calculate Your Retirement Age

You can calculate your retirement age in China by looking at the official rules set by the government. 

The current legal age is 60 for men, 55 for women in white-collar jobs, and 50 for women in blue-collar jobs. Some people may retire earlier due to health reasons, but this requires approval.

The government has released tables that match your birth year and month with the expected retirement date. These charts are the most reliable way to find your exact retirement age.

Your actual retirement age may shift if new policies gradually raise the limit. China has already initiated pilot programs in several provinces to delay the retirement age, aiming to reduce pension pressure, as noted in studies on retirement policy changes.

When you calculate your retirement age, you should also think about:

• Years of contributions to the pension system
• Health status, since disability or illness can allow earlier retirement
• Career goals, such as whether you want to keep working past the legal age
• Employer policies, which may affect when you stop working

Using these factors together with official charts gives you the clearest picture of when you can retire.

📌Also Read: How Old Do You Have to Be to Work in China?

Conclusion

China’s retirement age reform is one of the most significant policy shifts in decades. With gradual changes starting in 2025, men will be eligible to retire at 63, and women at 55 or 58, depending on their job type. 

These updates aim to ease pension pressure and adapt to a rapidly aging population. Understanding the new rules helps you plan your career and finances better. 

❝Whether you’re close to retirement or still years away, it’s smart to stay ahead of the curve. For legal advice on retirement and labor policies, contact Choi & Partners.❞

Frequently Asked Questions About China's Retirement Age

China’s retirement rules differ by gender and job type, and the government is planning gradual changes to address an aging population. You will see differences in eligibility ages, limits on working years, and policies that allow some flexibility.

What is the retirement age in China?

The standard retirement age in China is 60 for men. For women, the age depends on whether you are a worker or a civil servant.

At what age are women eligible to retire in China?

Most female workers retire at 50, while female civil servants and professionals retire at 55. These rules have been in place for decades, though reforms are underway to extend working years.

What is the maximum age to work in China?

The legal maximum is tied to the official retirement age. Once you reach the required age, you are expected to stop formal employment. Some exceptions exist in academic or specialized fields where contracts may continue past the standard age.

Can I retire earlier or later than the new age?

In some cases, you may retire earlier due to health issues or special work conditions. However, early retirement usually reduces your pension benefits. Working later is possible in limited situations, but the government sets strict rules on extending employment.

Why is China raising the retirement age?

China is raising the retirement age to deal with its rapidly aging population. By 2050, nearly one in four people will be over retirement age, creating pressure on the pension system. Studies show that increasing the retirement age helps balance labor supply and reduces financial strain on social security.

Can I be forced to retire early in China?

According to Chinese labor law, mandatory retirement at the statutory age is legal. Employers cannot force an employee to retire before the official retirement age without cause, but they can legally terminate the contract once the employee reaches the mandatory retirement age.

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