Pension Transfer Ireland

In this article, you’ll learn about overseas pension transfers in Ireland – both in and out of the country.

Of course, there’s a huge number of scenarios in which you could be transferring your pension in or out of Ireland, so, if you want detailed advice tailored to your specific circumstances, get in touch. One of the expert advisors we work with will be able to help.

Can I transfer a pension to the Republic of Ireland?

Yes – in many cases. The specifics, of course, will depend on the kind of pension you want to transfer – and the country you want to transfer from.

What are the pension transfer rules in Ireland?

They differ depending on the type of scheme you’re transferring from and to.

We’ve outlined a few different scenarios below….

Can I transfer my UK pension to Ireland?

Yes. Considering the number of UK expats who’ve relocated, pension transfers from the UK to Ireland are not at all uncommon.

However – it depends largely on the kind of pension that you’re looking to transfer. Also, the Irish scheme you want to transfer to will have to be on HMRC’s list of qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes (QROPS).

If you have a defined benefit/final salary pension

It depends on the scheme. Certain ‘unfunded’ public sector pensions, such as ones for the police or armed forces, can’t be transferred by law.

Some private sector schemes (company pensions) can be transferred. Though as we’ve said before, in some instances it may be better to leave your pension where it is. This is often true with defined benefit pensions, which guarantee you an income, unlike defined contribution pensions.

Get in touch if you have any questions.

If you have a defined contribution pension

Known for their flexibility, defined contribution based pensions usually make it easier to transfer a UK pension to Ireland. Thanks to the Pension Freedoms, you’re much more likely to be able to transfer this kind of pension – but there can always be exceptions to the rule.

As always, you may also have the option to keep your defined contribution pension in the UK, and continue to draw an income in Ireland. Drop us a line if you want to find out about your specific options.

Can I transfer my NHS pension to Ireland?

No, but you can keep your NHS pension in the UK and receive an income in Ireland.

Can I transfer NHS pension to the HSE?

No – even though you’d be forgiven for thinking so, seeing that both are publicly supported health services.

As of 2015, UK law prevents ‘unfunded’ public sector pension schemes, such as your NHS pension, from being moved anywhere – domestic or international.

Can I transfer my UK state pension?

Yes. But if you want to transfer a UK state pension to Ireland – you’ll have to have made enough National Insurance contributions to qualify for a UK state pension in the first place.

Your pension will continue to increase in line with UK inflation (not Irish inflation), and you’ll be paid in euros, not pounds. As such, fluctuations in the exchange rate may affect what you get back.

That said, it’s worth clarifying everything with DWP’s International Pension Centre before seriously committing to a transfer of your UK pension to Ireland.

Caveat: a note on ‘transferring’ your pension

By “transferring” a pension to Ireland (or vice versa), we mean moving your pension from one country to another.

We don’t mean keeping your pension in the UK, whilst retiring abroad – which is possible in many cases.

Which leads to our next point…

Can I transfer my Irish pension abroad?

Yes. Transferring Irish pensions overseas is possible in many instances. It depends on where you want to move your pension to, and the kind of pension that you have already.

Can I transfer my Irish pension to the UK?

In theory, yes – though as with most cases, it depends on the kind of scheme in question.

Occupational pension scheme

Ireland and the UK are similar insofar as they divide occupation pensions into ‘defined contribution’ and ‘defined benefit’ schemes. Transferring a pension from Ireland to the UK will, typically, be easier with a defined contribution pension.

As we’ve said previously about UK-based defined benefit schemes, sometimes it’s harder to get a better deal elsewhere. Regardless of the kind of occupational pension you have, getting advice from a pension expert is always recommended. They will advise you of your options and let you know whether a transfer would be right for you.

Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA)

Yes, though there are restrictions. The scheme that you transfer to in the UK must be deemed ‘compatible’ with Irish pension law, and the trustees of your scheme must agree.

Ask the administrators of your scheme, or get in touch if you’d like to speak with one of the experts we work with about this.

State pension

Transferring an Irish pension to the UK is usually the most straightforward with a state pension. Ireland and the UK have a social security agreement that allows a certain amount of flexibility between both state pensions.

Essentially, the contributions you made back in Ireland can count as contributions towards a UK pension.

If you have questions, you can ask citizensinformation.ie, or speak to one of the experts that we work with.

Talk to an expert today

If you have questions about the pension transfer rules in Ireland and want to speak to an expert for the right advice, call us today on 0808 189 0463 or make an enquiry here.

Then sit back and let us do all the hard work in finding the advisor with the right expertise for your circumstances. We don’t charge a fee and there’s absolutely no obligation.