Claiming Your State Pension Abroad: A Quick Guide

Are you thinking of retiring abroad? Here’s what you need to know about claiming your UK State Pension.

Eligibility and Claiming

You can claim your State Pension abroad if you’ve paid enough UK National Insurance contributions. Check your State Pension forecast to see how much you might get.

How to Claim:

  • Must be within 4 months of your State Pension age.
  • Contact the International Pension Centre or request an international claim form.

Choosing Payment Destination

If you live part of the year abroad, choose one country for your pension payments. Splitting payments between countries is not allowed.

Payment Methods

Your State Pension can be paid into:

  • A bank in your current country
  • A UK bank or building society

Payments can go into:

  • Your account
  • A joint account
  • Someone else’s account (with permission)

You’ll need IBAN and BIC numbers for international accounts. Payments are made in local currency, so amounts can vary with exchange rates.

Payment Schedule:

  • Every 4 or 13 weeks
  • Annually in December if less than £5 per week
  • Possible 1-day delay during US federal holidays

Pension Increases

Your State Pension increases each year if you live in:

  • The European Economic Area (EEA)
  • Gibraltar
  • Switzerland
  • Countries with a social security agreement (not Canada or New Zealand)

No increases if you live outside these areas. If you return to the UK, your pension will change to the current rate.

Tax Information

UK Residents:

  • You may pay UK tax on your State Pension based on your income.

Overseas Residents:

  • You may be taxed by the UK and your country of residence.
  • Tax relief is available to avoid double taxation.

If there’s a double taxation agreement, you pay tax once, either to the UK or your resident country.

Reporting Changes

Report changes (like address or bank details) to the International Pension Centre by phone or post.

Life Certificate:

If requested, complete and return the form signed by a witness.

Witnesses don’t need to be UK residents or hold specific passports.

Returning to the UK

Inform the Pension Service with your return date and contact details. Also, notify HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of your return.

For more details, visit the official government website here – Print State Pension if you retire abroad: Claim State Pension abroad – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

News Categories

Most Recent Articles

Let Property Campaign: Explaining Unprompted Disclosures

Let Property Campaign: Explaining Unprompted Disclosures

Received a letter from HMRC about unpaid rental income? Acting now could save you money. Learn why an unprompted disclosure is the best option for landlords. Recently a number of our clients have received letters from HMRC about unpaid tax on their rental income. Many...

Planning for the Upcoming Pension Tax Changes

Planning for the Upcoming Pension Tax Changes

Major pension tax changes are coming in April 2027, affecting how pension pots are inherited and taxed. Learn how to plan ahead with smart tax strategies, from pension withdrawals to tax-efficient investments, so you can protect more of your money for the future. As...

What Vehicle Expenses can you actually Claim?

What Vehicle Expenses can you actually Claim?

Confused about vehicle expenses? Learn about the two methods for claiming vehicle costs and understand which expenses you can and cannot claim on.    During the busy period, we noticed some confusion among clients about what can and cannot be claimed when...

Do You Need to Fill Out a Tax Return When Working Overseas?

Do You Need to Fill Out a Tax Return When Working Overseas?

Avoid unexpected tax bills when working overseas. While you may not need to file a UK tax return, failing to inform HMRC of your status could lead to serious financial consequences. Discover the risks and penalties, and why a proactive approach could potentially save...

Essential Tax Savings for Close Protection (CP) Operatives

Essential Tax Savings for Close Protection (CP) Operatives

Discover essential tax savings for close protection operatives, including what expenses you can claim to maximise your earnings.  Close protection operatives often contact us with questions about allowable expense claims, as tailored guidance for their unique...

Archives