UPTA warned that this situation is the result of several years with contribution bases below those in place before the reform, compounded by the freeze in 2026 and the possibility that it could continue through 2027.
THE NEW CONTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND ITS CONSEQUENCES
The organization explained that self-employed workers who retire in 2028 will have completed five years under the new contribution system, from 2023 to 2027. The calculation method planned for that year includes selecting the 306 best contribution bases from the last 312 months, with the possibility of discarding only six monthly periods. In UPTA's view, this mechanism is insufficient to offset a period of up to five years of reduced contributions.
DECLINE IN THE MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION BASE
UPTA recalled that in 2022, the general minimum contribution base under the Special Regime for Self-Employed Workers (RETA) stood at €960.60 per month. With the introduction of the contribution system based on net earnings, the minimum base for the lowest-income bracket fell to €751.63 in 2023, declined to €735.29 in 2024 and dropped to €653.59 in 2025, a figure that remains in place in 2026.
Likewise, the difference compared with the general minimum base before the reform amounts to €307.01 per month, representing a reduction of 31.96%, UPTA noted. The organization pointed out that these amounts correspond to actual contribution bases, not to subsidized contributions calculated on higher bases. This means that, as a general rule, a self-employed worker contributing on a base of €653.59 accrues contributory rights based on that amount, without prejudice to the transitional guarantees established by law.
THE FREEZE ON CONTRIBUTION BASES IN 2026 AND 2027
The reduction in the minimum bases for the lower brackets is compounded by the failure to update these amounts in 2026 and the possibility that they will also remain frozen in 2027. With estimated annual inflation of 3.5%, two years without an update would mean a 6.65% loss in the purchasing power of contribution bases, according to UPTA's estimates.
UPTA called for the 2027 bases to include both 2026 inflation and the inflation forecast for the following year. Under this assumption, the necessary cumulative update would be approximately 7.12%. For the organization, keeping the bases unchanged would not only prolong the loss of purchasing power but could also increase its impact on future retirement benefits.
UPTA DEMANDS THAT THE GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE FUTURE PENSIONS
UPTA Spain president Eduardo Abad stressed that “the responsibility for guaranteeing the future pensions of self-employed workers lies with the Government of Spain, regardless of its political color.” “We demand that in 2027 contribution bases recover, at a minimum, the CPI that was not incorporated in 2026 and the inflation forecast for 2027. It would be hugely irresponsible to continue accumulating years of lower contributions and pass their consequences on to future pensions,” he said.
Abad called on the next government to make self-employed workers' pensions “a priority” and said it cannot be allowed that “saving a few euros on today's contributions becomes hundreds of euros less in tomorrow's pension.”
