UK Pension Transfers
Expert advice to help you transfer your UK pension with confidence
We help UK residents and expats make informed pension transfer decisions with clarity and confidence.
Take your UK pension with you
If you plan to retire abroad, have you thought about what will happen to your pension?
Choosing to access your pension from the UK or move it to your new country is an important decision.
A UK pension transfer means moving your pension savings from one scheme to another.
Transferring your pension can give you more control over your savings. You can combine several pension pots into one simple plan and often access more investment options. It may also reduce currency risk and give you more flexibility with your retirement income.
Since transferring a pension can affect your retirement income, it’s important to get trusted, regulated advice before making any decisions.
Why choose us for your UK pension transfer
Can make the best decisions for your future. Here’s what sets us apart:
Client services
Our award-winning team always puts your needs first.
Pension specialists
We specialise in UK pension transfers, whether you’re based in the UK or living abroad.
Expat pension transfers
We specialise in expat pension transfer solutions.
Global expertise
With offices worldwide, we help expats with local and international pension options, regulatory guidance, and cross-border transfers.
The benefits of transferring a UK pension
A pension transfer can offer several benefits, including:
More choice
Some pensions, like self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs), let you pick from a wider range of investments.
Reduced fees
Some newer pension plans may charge lower fees than older or legacy pension schemes.
Simplified management
Moving several pension pots into one plan can make it easier to manage your retirement savings.
More flexibility
Pension schemes introduced since 2015 offer more flexible options. Transferring could give you more control over how and when you use your money.
Reduce currency risk
Transferring your pension to a scheme in your country of residence can reduce the impact of exchange rate changes on your retirement savings.
Pension transfer options
Self-invested personal pension (SIPP)
A SIPP is a flexible pension that works well for many UK residents and expats. It lets you choose how your money is invested and offers more options than a standard workplace pension.
Key advantages include:
- A wide choice of investment options.
- Freedom to consolidate multiple pensions into one plan.
- Greater transparency and control over how your pension is managed.
A SIPP is best for people who want to manage their pension themselves and feel comfortable making investment decisions.
Qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS)
A QROPS is an overseas pension scheme for people living outside the UK. To accept UK pension transfers, it must meet specific criteria set by HMRC.
Key advantages include:
- Potential income tax benefits depending on the country of residence.
- If you and your QROPS are in the same country, you avoid exchange rate costs and the risks of currency changes.
- Increased flexibility when accessing your retirement savings.
Some QROPS let you transfer a UK pension tax-free. However, in some cases, a 25% overseas transfer charge applies. Talk to one of our pension experts for advice tailored to your situation.
What should I consider before transferring my UK pension?
Before moving your pension, take time to understand whether a transfer is really in your best interests. Here are the key things to consider:
Loss of benefits
Some schemes, especially defined benefit or final salary pensions, offer valuable benefits, such as guaranteed income. Transferring away may mean you lose these pension benefits.
Pension type
By law, defined benefit (DB) pensions with a value of £30,000 or more require you to get advice from a regulated financial adviser before transferring.
Fees and charges
Every pension scheme has its own fee structure. Understanding all the fees is crucial to getting long-term value.
Tax implications
Tax rules vary depending on where you retire. You may face tax charges when transferring your pension abroad, and you might pay tax twice if your new country does not have a double tax agreement in place.
Are you saving enough for retirement?
See if your retirement savings are on track. Our retirement calculator helps you estimate your pension income and find out if it will be enough to support your lifestyle.
If your results aren’t what you expected, talk to one of our independent financial advisers about how to make the most of your retirement savings.
How a pension transfer works
We make it simple to transfer your UK pension. The process may vary depending on the type of structure you choose.
Here’s how it typically works:
Initial consultation
We start by discussing your situation and whether a transfer is worth exploring.
Detailed pension review
We review your existing scheme, including fees, performance, features, and possible transfer risks.
Transfer
If you decide to transfer, we will help you manage the whole process and set up your new pension.
Explore pension transfer options
If you’re planning to retire abroad or are already overseas and want to know the best options for your retirement savings, our experts are here to help.
UK pension transfer FAQs
A pension transfer is the process of moving your existing pension savings from one scheme to another, either within the UK or overseas.
Yes. Many expats transfer their UK pension to a SIPP or QROPS, depending on their situation. While there are benefits, it’s important to get advice from a qualified professional first.
Yes. Pension transfers can have long-term financial effects, so regulated advice helps protect you. In some cases, advice isn’t just a good idea—it’s required by law. Defined benefit (DB) pension funds worth £30,000 or more require you to get advice from a regulated financial adviser before transferring.
Most personal and defined-contribution pensions can be transferred. However, there are restrictions for some pensions, such as those that provide a guaranteed annuity rate. Speak to an expert to learn more about your pension transfer options.