The actual time it takes for the Social Security to approve a retirement pension generates doubts among citizens. Official regulations, recorded in the BOE (Official State Gazette), establish a maximum period of 90 days for the resolution and notification of contributory retirement pension applications. This period begins from the date the application is submitted.

However, in practice, many ordinary retirements are processed sooner if the file presents no issues and requires no additional checks. The complexity of each case is key: some simple files are resolved in a few weeks, while others are prolonged due to administrative matters, documentation errors, or complex contribution histories.

Situations such as having always contributed in Spain, not having periods in different contribution schemes, submitting all documentation correctly, and not requiring additional reviews by the INSS (National Social Security Institute) speed up the process. Conversely, times can increase for self-employed workers with issues, contributions abroad, contribution gaps, or multiple employment statuses.

The Social Security may request additional documentation if it detects problems in the file, which can delay the resolution. Frequent causes of delay include errors in the work history, pending documents, international contributions, changes in contribution schemes, or discrepancies in periods worked. The aging population has also increased the administrative burden on the system.

If the maximum period passes without an express resolution, negative administrative silence applies, allowing for claims to be initiated. However, experts remind that exceeding the deadline does not necessarily imply a denial. It is recommended to check the status of the file on the Social Security's electronic headquarters or the Importass portal.