Managing retirement savings in England

Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator20 August 2025 07:31:12

14938

Hello everyone,

Saving for retirement as an expat in England can be challenging. With different options, rules or even taxation, expats have to understand how it works to make informed decisions. We invite you to share your insights in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats manage or plan their retirement savings in England.

How do you handle retirement savings in England?

Have you faced any challenges accessing pension funds from your home country (or from other countries)? How do you deal with taxation or the currency exchange rates?

What local options are available to expats, either public or private, to help you save for retirement?

What are the most popular private pension or investment plans popular among expats in England?

What do you wish you had known earlier about saving for retirement as an expat?

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
Expat.com Team

Cynic UK/Netherlands Expert

Member since 15 September 2015

CynicUK/Netherlands Expert02 December 2025 10:11:58

8033

I can not overemphasise how important your pension arrangements are and why it's a good idea to speak to a pension expert early on in your working life. In the UK, public pensions are very popular as they are currently index-linked, so increase with inflation; I receive a public work based pension and state retirement pension; in addition, I have a private pension from my employer once I left the public service. The same applies to your wife/partner; do not assume that he/she will receive your pension entitlement on your passing, at best they will get their own UK public retirement pension and depending on the scheme, 50% of your public work based pension, plus any money left in your private pension, but that will be subject to tax.

The bottom line is that if you spend all of your money in your youth, then you will have a miserable retirement.