Increases of 2.5% in contributions for self-employed professionals, freelancers and farmers – All the new amounts and what they mean for your pension
The 2026 social security contribution increase is now official. Under Circular 6/2026, contributions have been adjusted upward by 2.5%, based on the average annual Consumer Price Index for 2025.
For entrepreneurs, freelancers and farmers, this is not merely a numerical adjustment. It is an additional financial burden that directly affects liquidity, business planning and ultimately the level of future pension benefits.
HOW CONTRIBUTIONS ARE SHAPING UP IN 2026?
🔹SELF-EMPLOYED PROFESSIONALS & FREELANCERS
| Category | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 244,65€ | 250,77€ |
| 2nd | 293,59€ | 300,93€ |
| 3rd | 351,84€ | 360,63€ |
| 4th | 422,90€ | 433,47€ |
| 5th | 506,78€ | 519,45€ |
| 6th | 659,39€ | 675,87€ |
🔹 FARMERS (FORMER OGA)
| Category | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 145,63€ | 149,27€ |
| 2nd | 174,74€ | 179,11€ |
| 3rd | 209,69€ | 214,94€ |
| 4th | 251,63€ | 257,93€ |
| 5th | 302,90€ | 310,48€ |
| 6th | 394,94€ | 404,81€ |
🔹 SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE
| Category | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 45,43€ | 46,57€ |
| 2nd | 54,76€ | 56,13€ |
| 3rd | 65,25€ | 66,88€ |
🔹 LUMP-SUM BENEFIT FUND
| Category | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | 30,29€ | 31,05€ |
| 2nd | 36,12€ | 37,02€ |
| 3rd | 43,10€ | 44,18€ |
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOUR FUTURE PENSION?
The contribution category you choose directly affects your future pension.
According to available data:
-
Selection of the 1st category for 40 years → approximately €890 gross pension
-
Selection of the 6th category for 40 years → approximately €1,895 gross pension
To put this into perspective:
-
1st category ≈ employee with €903 gross monthly salary
-
6th category ≈ employee with €2,912 gross monthly salary
Today, 8 out of 10 non-salaried professionals choose the lowest category. Only 2 out of 10 opt for higher contribution levels.
The critical point is this:
The longer someone remains in the lowest category, the more difficult it becomes to improve their pension later. Increasing contributions shortly before retirement does not substantially reverse the long-term impact.
THE REAL DILEMMA FOR THE ENTREPRENEUR
Η χαμηλή κατηγορία σημαίνει:
✔ Μικρότερη μηνιαία επιβάρυνση
✖ Χαμηλότερη μελλοντική σύνταξη
Η υψηλή κατηγορία σημαίνει:
✔ Ισχυρότερη συνταξιοδοτική βάση
✖ Μεγαλύτερη άμεση πίεση στη ρευστότητα
In an environment of rising costs, inflation and tax pressure, every euro matters. But so does the future.
🧠 Final Thought
A 2.5% increase in social security contributions for 2026 may appear small in percentage terms, but over years and decades it translates into a significant financial burden.
The real question is not simply “How much am I paying this year?” The real question is:
How much is long-term financial security worth to you and your family after 40 years of work?
Choosing the right contribution category is not an accounting act. It is a strategic decision.
