Changes to Pension Payments for People Living Abroad

Starting from 1 January 2026, important changes will take effect in how Czech pensions are paid to people who live outside the Czech Republic. These updates are designed to simplify administration, reduce paperwork, and make pension payments more predictable for recipients living abroad.

Under the new system, most pensioners will begin receiving their pensions on a regular monthly basis. The long-standing requirement to submit a “Certificate of Living” before each payment will be significantly reduced in many countries, making the overall process faster and less burdensome.

How the New Rules Work by Country

The exact procedure will depend on the country of residence.

For pensioners living in Slovakia, the process will become fully automated. They will no longer need to submit a Certificate of Living. Instead, eligibility will be verified electronically through data exchange between relevant authorities, while pension payments will continue as normal.

For pensioners living in other European Union countries and in countries that have a social security agreement with the Czech Republic, pension payments will move to a standard monthly schedule. Proof of life will only be required twice a year, typically in June and December. The submitted document must include an authenticated handwritten signature. This new system is designed to balance administrative simplicity with legal and security safeguards.

For those living in countries that do not have a social security agreement with the Czech Republic, the current system will remain unchanged. These recipients will still need to submit their Certificate of Living at intervals of their own choosing, and pension payments will continue to be made retroactively after the document is received and approved.

Important Change for Cheque Payments

From 1 January 2026, pension payments by bank cheque will be discontinued. Pensioners who currently receive their funds by cheque will need to provide their international bank account details in advance. Without valid bank account information on file, pension payments may be delayed or suspended.

What This Means for Pensioners

These changes aim to make life easier for pensioners living abroad. With fewer documents to submit and more consistent payment schedules, recipients can expect a more reliable and transparent pension payment process. However, it remains important for pensioners to ensure their personal and banking details are up to date to avoid any interruption in payments.

This reform represents a major step toward modernising cross-border pension administration and improving the experience of pensioners living outside the Czech Republic.