Business · Economy · 19 hrs ago
Italy had nearly one worker for every pension paid in 2025
In Italy, 24.1 million people were employed in 2025, while nearly 23.2 million pensions were paid.
That is close to one worker for each pension, compared with three workers per pension in the 1980s.
The CGIA analysis links the change to fewer births and longer life expectancy, which have contributed to population decline.
It forecasts that 3 million Italians will leave the workforce between 2025 and 2029, with about 74% of them in central and northern regions.
Pension spending is expected to reach €351.8 billion this year and, under current law, €388.6 billion by 2029.
The figures point to growing pressure on Italy’s pension system as the workforce shrinks and pension costs rise.
Italy had 24.1 million employed people and nearly 23.2 million pensions paid in 2025, a ratio of about one worker per pension.
A study by the Cgia research office in Mestre said the ratio was three workers per pension in the 1980s.
The Cgia attributed the demographic decline to falling birth rates and rising life expectancy over the past 50 years.
The study forecast that 3 million Italians would leave the labour market between 2025 and 2029.
Pension spending was forecast to reach €351.8 billion in 2025 and €388.6 billion in 2029 under current law.
- Who
- The Cgia research office in Mestre analysed the figures.
- What
- Italy had 24.1 million employed people and nearly 23.2 million pensions paid in 2025, a ratio of about one to one.
- When
- The figures are for 2025; the analysis was published on 24 October 2026.
- Where
- Italy.
- Why
- The Cgia said falling birth rates and rising life expectancy over the past 50 years have driven demographic decline.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The ratio was three workers for every pension paid.
Italy counted 24.1 million employed people and nearly 23.2 million pensions paid.
The study forecast 3 million Italians would leave the labour market.
Pension spending was forecast to reach €388.6 billion under current law.
- Employed people in 2025
- 24.1 million
- Pensions paid in 2025
- Nearly 23.2 million
- Worker-to-pension ratio in 2025
- About 1 to 1
- Forecast labour-market exits, 2025–2029
- 3 million Italians
- Pension spending forecast for 2029
- €388.6 billion
What people are saying
molto preoccupante, con conseguenze inevitabili anche per il mondo del lavoro