← Back

Pensions in Latvia and Ireland

If your working life has been split between Latvia and Ireland, your pension is coordinated under EU social security regulations. The key principle: periods of contributions in both countries are combined, but each country pays a share of the pension proportional to the years worked on its territory.

1. Key Principles and Conditions

• Retirement age

  Ireland: The State Pension retirement age is currently 66 years — for both men and women.

  Latvia: The State Pension age is 65 years — for both men and women.

• Combining contribution periods

  If you do not have enough contributions in one country to qualify for a pension, the other EU country's insured and employed periods are also taken into account. Minimum required contribution period: Ireland — 520 weeks (10 years) of PRSI contributions; Latvia — 15 years of insurance contributions.

• Pro-rata calculation

  Each country calculates and pays its share of the pension in proportion to the social insurance contributions made within its territory (Ireland — PRSI contributions; Latvia — VSAA contributions).

2. Where and How to Apply?

The application must be submitted in the country where you currently live, and the local authority will liaise directly with the other country's services.

• If you live in Ireland (on reaching age 66)

  Apply to Ireland's Department of Social Protection (DSP) using form SPC1 (State Pension Contributory application form).

  State on the form that you have worked and paid social insurance in Latvia, and include your Latvian personal identity number.

  DSP will contact Latvia's VSAA and request confirmation of your insurance record (E202 / SED P5000 form).

• If you have returned and live in Latvia (on reaching age 65)

  Apply to VSAA (Valsts sociālās apdrošināšanas aģentūra — State Social Insurance Agency).

  VSAA will contact Ireland's DSP directly to request data on your PRSI contributions in Ireland.

3. Types of State Pension in Ireland

Ireland has two main types of state pension:

• State Pension (Contributory) — Contributions-based pension

  Who qualifies: People who have made a sufficient number of PRSI contributions (at least 520 weeks / 10 years of full PRSI record).

  Note: This pension is paid regardless of other income or savings, and can be received while living abroad (e.g. after returning to Latvia).

• State Pension (Non-Contributory) — Means-tested pension

  Who qualifies: People who do not have sufficient PRSI contributions and have a lower income level.

  Note: All household income and assets are assessed (means test), and it is paid only if the person is actually resident in Ireland.

4. Occupational and Private Pensions

If in Ireland you have contributed to an employer pension fund (Occupational Pension Scheme) or a private savings plan (PRSA / Personal Pension):

• Operates independently of the state pension

  These savings function separately from the state pension system.

• Contact the pension fund manager directly

  On reaching the contractual retirement age (often between 50–65), you must contact the relevant pension fund administrator in Ireland to agree how the savings will be paid out (as a lump sum or monthly income).

5. Practical Steps to Take in Good Time

• 1. Check your PRSI record in Ireland

  Request a Copy of Social Insurance Record from DSP by post or through MyWelfare.ie.

• 2. Check your record in Latvia

  View your insurance record on the Latvija.lv portal (VSAA online services).

• 3. Submit your application in good time

  It is advisable to apply for the state pension at least 6 months before reaching retirement age, as cross-border document and record reconciliation can take additional time.

Official resources:

• Gov.ie — State Pension (Contributory) — Official application and information in Ireland.
• VSAA — Pensions and EU Regulations — Latvia's VSAA information on pensions for people who have worked in EU countries.
• Citizens Information — Work and Pensions in the EU — Explanation of contribution transfer and aggregation.