Transferring a UK Pension to New Zealand
Transferring a UK pension to New Zealand is a major financial decision. There may be benefits, but there are also tax rules, fees, pension restrictions, and long-term planning issues to think about. This guide explains how the transfer process usually works, what to weigh before moving your pension, and the questions to ask before making a decision.
The information on this page is general in nature. It is not personal financial advice and does not take into account any individual’s circumstances. Pension and tax rules in both the UK and New Zealand are complex and change over time, so anyone considering a transfer should seek advice from a qualified tax specialist.
Who might consider a transfer?
People who look into moving a UK pension to New Zealand are often:
- British migrants who have settled in New Zealand, or
- New Zealanders who have returned home after working in the UK.
For some, holding retirement savings in the country where they now live can simplify their finances. For others, the benefits built into an existing UK scheme may make staying put the better option. The right answer depends entirely on individual circumstances.
Five things to understand before a transfer
Before any money moves from the UK to New Zealand, it is worth being clear on the following:
- Which benefits or guarantees might be lost by transferring out of the UK scheme.
- Whether the UK provider or a NZ scheme will charge fees on the transfer.
- The tax implications in both the UK and New Zealand.
- Whether the age at which retirement savings can be accessed would change.
- Whether professional advice is needed, and whether the adviser is licensed and acting in the client’s best interests.
What is QROPS?
A Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) is an overseas pension scheme that meets a set of conditions set by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) in the UK. Only schemes that meet these conditions, and that appear on HMRC’s published recognised list, can receive a transfer from a UK registered pension without triggering certain UK tax charges.
It is important to know that the rules changed significantly in 2015, and many New Zealand schemes lost recognised status as a result. The number of NZ schemes able to accept a UK transfer is now limited. Anyone considering a transfer should check the current HMRC recognised overseas pension schemes (ROPS) list before proceeding, as it changes regularly.
Potential advantages people weigh up
Some people see the following as possible advantages of holding their retirement savings in New Zealand. Whether any of them apply depends on the specific UK and NZ schemes involved:
- Some NZ schemes offer a different or wider range of investment options than certain UK pensions.
- Funds are no longer tied to a former UK employer or scheme administrator.
- Savings are held in NZ dollars, which removes ongoing exchange-rate movement and cross-border transfer costs once the transfer is complete.
- Personal and workplace pensions may be able to be consolidated into a single NZ scheme.
Potential drawbacks and risks
Transferring out of a UK scheme can also mean giving up valuable features. These may include:
- Income guarantees built into a defined benefit (final salary) pension.
- Spouse or dependent benefits attached to the UK scheme.
- Annual or inflation-linked increases provided by the UK scheme.
- The ability to change course later; moving funds back to a UK scheme can be difficult and may carry tax consequences.
Because a transfer is usually permanent, it is important to weigh what would be given up, not just what might be gained.
Tax considerations in New Zealand
Tax is one of the more complex parts of a UK-to-NZ pension transfer, and it applies in both countries.
In New Zealand, new migrants and returning residents may qualify for a transitional period during which a lump-sum transfer of a foreign pension can be made without NZ tax. After that period, transfers and withdrawals are generally taxable, with the amount worked out using one of the methods set out by Inland Revenue (IRD). Investment earnings within NZ schemes are also taxed, and some overseas investments can fall under New Zealand’s foreign investment rules.
On the UK side, an overseas transfer charge can apply in certain circumstances, and UK pension tax rules have changed in recent years. Because the figures and thresholds change, current guidance from IRD and HMRC should always be checked, ideally with a tax specialist who handles cross-border pensions.
This section is a general overview only and is not tax advice.
Getting professional advice
Because a UK pension transfer involves regulated financial advice, both UK and NZ tax rules, and a transfer that is usually irreversible, people who go ahead typically work with a licensed financial adviser who specialises in this area, alongside a tax adviser. A licensed adviser can explain the options, set out the risks, and help work out whether a transfer is suitable for a person’s circumstances.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
This page provides general information only. It is not financial advice or tax advice, and it does not take into account your personal financial situation, goals, or needs. UK and New Zealand pension and tax rules are complex and subject to change. Before making any decision about a UK pension, obtain advice from a licensed Financial Advice Provider and a qualified tax adviser, and check the current HMRC and IRD guidance.