Italy Updates Supplementary Pension Rules

Italy Updates Supplementary Pension RulesSupplementary pensions in Italy will be affected by new regulatory changes starting July 1, 2026. These changes stem from amendments to Article 8 of Legislative Decree No. 252/2005 and apply to how employees are enrolled in pension funds.

Under the new rules, employees may be automatically enrolled through a “silent consent” mechanism if they do not actively opt out. This change introduces significant operational impacts and specific obligations for employers.

1. Automatic enrollment of employees

For newly hired employees in the private sector:

  • Enrollment in supplementary pension schemes takes place automatically, unless the employee opts otherwise
  • The employee has 60 days from the date of hiring to:
    • Expressly enroll in a pension scheme
    • Choose a different fund
    • Or, keep their severance pay (TFR) under the ordinary regime

In the absence of a choice, enrollment is automatically confirmed effective as of the hiring date.

2. Destination pension fund – Role of company agreements

Automatic enrollment is directed to the collective pension scheme provided for by the applicable collective agreements (national collective agreements – CCNL, territorial or company-level agreements).

This provision:

  • Plays a decisive role in identifying the relevant pension fund
  • Regulates the methods and level of contributions

Where multiple pension schemes are available, the one with the highest number of members applies, unless otherwise provided by a company agreement.

In the absence of collective agreements, the residual pension scheme provided by current legislation applies.

3. Contributions

Upon enrollment (automatic or explicit):

  • Accrued TFR is allocated to the pension fund
  • Employer and employee contributions apply in accordance with the relevant CCNL or company agreement

4. Employer information obligations

For employees newly hired (registered for the first time with the Italian mandatory social security system), at the time of hiring, the employer must:

  • Provide information on the applicable collective agreements
  • Explain the automatic enrollment mechanism
  • Indicate the destination pension scheme (including any provided by company agreement)
  • Outline the available options
  • Highlight the 60-day deadline for making a choice

For employees who are not newly hired (i.e., already registered with the Italian mandatory social security system), it is also necessary to:

  • Verify their previous supplementary pension position
  • Obtain a specific declaration from the employee regarding their existing pension arrangements and intended choice

This information about supplementary pensions in Italy is provided by De Besi-Di Giacomo, Asinta’s employee benefits consulting Partner in Italy.