Retire Before 60? These Countries Make It Possible

While Americans grind until 67, some countries let you peace out way earlier. Here’s the wild part: most of these places have way younger retirement ages than the U.S., and their pension systems actually work.

The Early Retirement Champions:

• China: Men dip at 60, women white-collar workers at 55 (blue-collar hits 50). Basic pension pays 1% of avg wage per year if you’ve put in 15+ years
• Indonesia: Both genders retire at 57 right now, though it’s climbing to 65 by 2043
• India: 58-60 depending on your sector. Government workers at 60. Only catch? Just 12% of workers actually get pension coverage
• Russia: Men 60, women 55 (but they’re hiking it to 65/60 by 2028)
• Saudi Arabia: Both at 58. Pension bumped 20% in 2023
• Turkey: Men 60, women 58. Gradually shifting to 65 for both by 2044
• Colombia: Women 57, men 62
• South Africa: Both at 60, but it’s means-tested (gotta prove you’re broke)
• Austria: Women 60 now→65 by 2033, men already at 65

The Real Talk: Most require 10-15 years of contributions minimum. You can’t just show up at 57 empty-handed. Also, these systems are creaking under aging populations—don’t expect those sweet rates to stick around forever. The trend? Retirement ages climbing everywhere.

So yeah, technically possible, but start contributing yesterday.