No longer allowed to have an age limit of 70 years

From 1 January 2026, the right to apply an internal company age limit of 70 years has been abolished, and as a general rule, employers cannot terminate an employment relationship due to age before the employee reaches the age of 72. This means that employees who were previously subject to an internal company age limit of 70 years will now have extended job protection to 72 years.

It is possible to retain an internal age limit where necessary for health and safety reasons. This is a safety valve and will not be relevant in professions where a health certificate is already required to perform the profession.

The amendment to the law will not have retroactive effect. This means that those who have already been notified that their employment will be terminated due to age must resign in 2026. This assumes:

– that you turned 70 before New Year's

– that the company's internal age limit was applied consistently to all

– that notification is given in writing and before the end of the year