Denmark increased retirement age to 70 and is it likely to happen in UK

4th August 2025

Denmark's parliament passed a bill in May 2025 to raise the state pension age to 70 by 2040, making it the highest in Europe. This decision stems from the 2006 Welfare Reform, which links the retirement age automatically to life expectancy—specifically targeting a 14.5-year pension period—and mandates five-yearly adjustments with at least 15 years' notice.

As Danes live longer, indexing the pension age to longevity helps ensure the long-term sustainability of public finances and the pension system.

Prospects for a Similar Move in the UK
The UK’s state pension age is already set to rise from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028, then to 68 between 2044 and 2046, under the Pensions Acts 2007 and 2014. These changes reflect ongoing efforts to keep pace with increasing life expectancy and demographic pressures.

UK law requires a statutory review of the state pension age at least every six years. The most recent review in 2023 recommended considering a further rise toward 69, and the next review is underway—but no formal proposal has been made to push the age to 70 yet.

Some retirement-system experts caution that, if longevity gains and fiscal strains continue, an eventual jump to 70 by the 2040s is technically feasible. However, achieving such a change would demand a broad political consensus, extensive parliamentary debate, and public buy-in—barriers that make a near-term move unlikely.

In summary, Denmark’s leap to age 70 reflects a long-standing, formula-based approach to tying retirement eligibility directly to life expectancy.

The UK, by contrast, has only committed to rises up to 68 and remains bound by periodic reviews and political negotiation. While future demographic and fiscal trends could revive debate on pushing the UK age higher, there are no concrete plans to match Denmark’s 70-year threshold.