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International Pension Transfers

The critical facts, benefits and risks

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International pension transfers

What is an international pension transfer?

Since April 2006, British expats can move their pensions abroad with HMRC’s approval. The receiving scheme has to be a qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme (QROPS).

This means it has to be regulated as a pension scheme in the country in which it is established, and recognised for tax purposes in that country.

Theoretically a QROPS can comply with these requirements and be tax efficient. If the QROPS is in a country that taxes pensions at a minimal or even a zero rate, a pension transfer can potentially have tax benefits.

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critical facts about pension transfers

Critical facts about pension transfers

 A transfer can benefit some people, but:

  • they are heavily marketed, over-sold and sometimes mis-sold;
  • some transfers generate financial salespeople massive commissions;
  • those commission payments come from your pension;
  • it is critical to take regulated, professional and unconflicted pension advice; and
  • if you or your adviser get a transfer wrong, you will be charged a 55% tax penalty by HMRC.

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Retirement experts

Our retirement experts

Because of the risks involved, you must always take the advice of a Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulated pension transfer specialist. Our retirement experts hold that accreditation.

Additionally, our retirement experts are Chartered Financial Planners, certified by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

They are bound by the CII’s Code of Ethics, which requires them to: 

  • obey all relevant laws and regulations;
  • act with the highest ethical standards and integrity; and
  • act in the best interests of each client.

MEET THE TEAM

“I knew of AES before I contacted them. Their reputation precedes them - when my accountant and I discussed the issue of me reaching my LTA I contacted AES and they've delivered an excellent long-term retirement plan for me. Tax efficient, flexible and bomb proof.”

Mr. B Jameson, Qatar

“I spent a long time reading up on QROPS and transfers - AES's site is about the only one I found that gives honest advice about the pros AND the many, many cons.”

Mr. J Kinsella, UAE

“Having transferred my pension I found out I'd done totally the wrong thing. I'd lost guaranteed benefits and was in despair. I heard of AES through a talk Andrew Hallam did and I contacted them. They've helped me make the best of a bad choice and get back on track.”

Kerry Ann James
Dubai

    Pension Transfers

    Understanding your choices

    Our approach to your retirement planning options is transparent and comprehensive.

    Together, we: 

    • review your current financial position, assessing pension performance and projected benefits, as well as international investment returns to date;
    • consider where and when you want to retire, and your desired income in retirement; and
    • identify each option you have, explaining the pros and cons of each approach, to guide your informed decision making.
    Pension Transfer Benefits

    Potential benefits

    Whether to transfer a pension has to be determined on an individual basis. The following potential benefits do not apply in every case: 

    • tax-free lump sum of 30% at retirement;
    • a pension free from UK taxes;
    • pension fund can be passed to beneficiaries tax free;
    • no excess tax charge on growth above UK lifetime allowance;
    • access your pension from 55;
    • pension freedom in line with British reforms; and
    • investment choice and access to multiple currency options.

    How IFAs are paid to mis-sell pensions

    Getting the best advice as an expat can be a challenge. Outside the UK, firms and advisers may not be regulated or qualified.

    Download this guide and stay informed

    How IFAs are paid to mis-sell pensions

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    Frequently asked questions

    What is a QROPS?

    QROPS is an acronym for qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme.  This is a pension structure that allows individuals to move the trustee ownership of their pension benefits outside the UK.

    This can achieve additional tax efficiency in some cases - but not in all cases by any means, given the recent tax treatment changes related to UK defined contribution arrangements for example.

    Tread carefully if you’re considering making a transfer, and seek qualified regulated advice.

    Usually, the biggest tax benefit achieved via a QROPS transfer is related to lifetime allowance (LTA) planning.

    Can I transfer my pension abroad - to an overseas scheme like a QROPS (qualifying recognised overseas pension scheme)?

    Yes, it may be possible, depending on the type of pension scheme you have.

    However, there are lots of things to consider, mainly the benefits your current scheme offers versus the potential advantages of transferring.  

    This can be a complex decision to make, and one you must take advice on.  The advice you take must be from an individual who is a qualified pension transfer specialist, and in turn, they must work for an organisation that’s regulated to offer pension transfer advice.

    The advantages of a pension transfer are often heavily over-sold by unqualified advisers who may stand to profit substantially from a transfer via commissions and hidden fees.

    Tread with caution; the value of your pension must be preserved so your future retirement plans are not scuppered.

    What is a pension lifetime allowance, how does it work and affect me?

    Lifetime allowance is the amount of pension money an individual can accrue before potentially incurring additional tax.

    This allowance is currently £1m, although there are various transitional protections available to boost this.

    Additionally, if any pension benefits were accrued whilst the pension member was a relevant overseas individual, there is an overseas enhancement factor available which can further increase the cap.

    Lifetime allowance taxation arises when certain benefit crystallisation events (BCE’s) occur, and this is an area of pensions that requires complex financial advice.

    What happens to my pension or QROPS when I die?

    This will depend on whether you have defined benefit or defined contribution pension.

    If you have a defined contribution pension, whether this is a UK scheme or a QROPS will also impact the tax consequences for your beneficiaries.

    Defined benefit schemes will follow the scheme rules which can differ markedly from scheme to scheme.

    Defined contribution schemes are more flexible in this regard, and will either pass to beneficiaries without any taxation being due, or any tax liable being based on the income tax rates applicable to the beneficiary, dependant on how old the pension member is when they pass away.

    Discover if an international pension transfer is right for you

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