Second pension pillar from 01.11.2026: return after five years, withdraw money only once

From 01.11.2026 a person who left the second pillar may pay contributions again „viie aasta möödumisel makse tasumise lõppemisest arvates“ (translation: five years after the payment of contributions ended) (KoPS § 27² lg 1) [1], instead of ten years [2]. Before becoming entitled to a pension, money may be withdrawn „üks kord“ (translation: once) (KoPS § 43¹ lg 1) [3], no longer up to twice [4].

What changes

• Returning: a person who left may start paying contributions again five years after the payments ended, by submitting a payment application to the account manager or the registrar (KoPS § 27² lg 1) [1]. According to the explanatory memorandum the period is shortened „Selleks, et tuua inimesi kiiremini pensionikogumise juurde tagasi“ (translation: to bring people back to pension saving sooner) [5].
• Withdrawing money: a person not yet entitled to a mandatory funded pension may once demand the redemption of all units and the payment of the money (KoPS § 43¹ lg 1) [3]. The provision allowing a second withdrawal after at least ten years is repealed [4].
• Stopping contributions: the right not to pay contributions belongs to a person „kes ei ole varem kasutanud käesoleva seaduse §-s 43¹ sätestatud raha väljavõtmise õigust“ (translation: who has not previously used the right to withdraw money under § 43¹ of this Act) (KoPS § 27¹ lg 1) [6]. Someone who started paying again after leaving may no longer apply to be exempted from contributions (KoPS § 27¹ lg 4) [6].
• From 01.01.2028: money can also be withdrawn in part — once, a person may demand the redemption of „kõigi või osa osakute“ (translation: all or some units) (KoPS § 43¹ lg 1) [7]. Someone who only stopped paying contributions may start again upon application; the five-year period remains for those who withdrew money (KoPS § 27² lg 1) [8].

Who is affected

Members of the second pillar who are thinking of leaving or withdrawing money, and those who left and want to return (KoPS § 27² lg 1) [1].

What to do

• To return after leaving, submit a payment application to the account manager or the registrar (KoPS § 27² lg 1) [1]. The right and duty to pay arise from 1 January, 1 May or 1 September (KoPS § 27² lg 4) [1]; the application must reach the registrar by 31 July (payments from 1 January), 30 November (from 1 May) or 31 March (from 1 September) (KoPS § 27³ lg 5) [9].
• Anyone thinking of withdrawing money should bear in mind that it can be done only once (KoPS § 43¹ lg 1) [3], and that after returning one can no longer be exempted from contributions (KoPS § 27¹ lg 4) [6].