In a published policy commentary, the Dominican Republic Pensions Superintendency set out three priority pension-system updates based on its assessment of reform proposals. The main measures are a temporary reduction in the contribution period required to access the guaranteed minimum old-age pension from 25 years to 15 years for more vulnerable groups, more flexible complementary savings mechanisms to reflect changes in the labor market, and a gradual strengthening of retirement saving to support sufficient lifelong pensions. SIPEN framed the central problem as access to sustainable coverage, in addition to individual savings levels. The authority cited projections showing that fewer than 20% of affiliates would reach the 25 years of contributions needed for a guaranteed minimum pension by 2050. It also said that between 2030 and 2040 only 12% of affiliates older than 60 would have access to a lifelong pension, because many fail to accumulate enough contribution years and because of labor informality, or both. Actuarial models indicate that reducing the threshold to 15 years would be sustainable for the next 20 years through the Solidarity Fund, after which the requirement would return to 25 years to avoid weakening saving incentives. SIPEN added that international bodies including the International Labour Organization, the World Bank and the OECD support multipillar pension models combining social protection, individual savings and voluntary supplementary savings.
Pensions Superintendency (SIPEN)2026-07-08
Dominican Republic Pensions Superintendency backs lowering guaranteed minimum pension eligibility to 15 contribution years for 20 years in broader reform outline
The Dominican Republic Pensions Superintendency used a policy commentary to outline three pension reform priorities, led by a proposal to cut the contribution requirement for the guaranteed minimum pension from 25 years to 15 years for 20 years through the Solidarity Fund. It said fewer than 20% of affiliates are projected to meet the current threshold by 2050, while only 12% of affiliates over 60 between 2030 and 2040 would qualify for a lifelong pension. SIPEN also backed more flexible supplementary saving and a gradual increase in retirement saving within a multipillar model.