Financial Planning
Pension Advice for Expats
Expert independent pension advice for expats worldwide. Whether you have UK workplace pensions, a US 401(k), or an international scheme, Credible Life helps you maximise your retirement savings across borders.
Make the Most of Your Pension as an Expat
Managing pensions as an expat is complex. You may have multiple pension pots in different countries, be unsure how to access them from abroad, or be paying excessive charges on underperforming schemes set up years ago.
Credible Life provides expert independent pension advice for expats — helping you consolidate, optimise, and protect your retirement savings no matter how many pensions you have or where they are held.
We advise on every pension type: UK defined benefit and contribution schemes, SIPPs, QROPS, US 401(k) and IRA accounts, and international pension arrangements.
What We Cover
- ✓ UK Defined Benefit Pension Analysis
- ✓ Defined Contribution Pension Review
- ✓ SIPP Advice and Setup
- ✓ QROPS for Non-UK Residents
- ✓ US 401k and IRA Guidance
- ✓ Pension Consolidation
- ✓ Annuity Advice
- ✓ National Insurance Contribution Review
Pension Types We Advise On
Defined Benefit Pensions
Final salary and career average pensions offer guaranteed income in retirement. We help you understand the true value of your defined benefit pension, analyse transfer options, and make the right decision for your long-term retirement goals.
Defined Contribution Pensions
Workplace and personal pensions where your retirement pot depends on contributions and investment performance. We review charges, investment choices, and performance — consolidating multiple pots into a single efficient arrangement where appropriate.
SIPPs
A Self-Invested Personal Pension gives you greater control over your pension investments. We advise on whether a SIPP is right for you, help you set one up, and manage the investments within it to maximise your long-term retirement outcomes.
QROPS for Non-UK Residents
A Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme allows you to transfer your UK pension overseas. We assess whether a QROPS transfer is genuinely in your interest and manage the entire transfer process from start to finish.
US 401k and IRA Accounts
For US expats, managing 401(k) and IRA accounts from abroad introduces unique complexities. We provide expert advice on rollovers, investment management, and tax-efficient withdrawal strategies for American expats worldwide.
Annuities
An annuity provides guaranteed income for life. We advise independently on whether an annuity is right for your circumstances and, if so, source the best available rates from across the whole market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access my UK pension if I live abroad?
Yes. You can generally access UK pensions from age 55 (rising to 57 in 2028) regardless of where you live. However, the tax treatment of withdrawals may differ depending on your country of residence and any applicable double taxation agreement.
Should I transfer my UK pension overseas?
This depends on your individual circumstances. A QROPS transfer can offer benefits for some expats but is not always the right choice. We conduct a thorough analysis before making any recommendation and will only advise a transfer if it is demonstrably in your interest.
What happens to my UK pension when I retire abroad?
Your UK pension can generally be paid to you abroad. However, the tax treatment, currency, and whether you benefit from the UK personal allowance all depend on your residency status and the country you retire to. We help you plan retirement income to minimise tax.
How do I find pensions I have lost track of?
Many expats have pension pots from past UK employers they have lost track of. We help you trace lost pensions and consolidate them into a single manageable arrangement so you have a clear picture of your total retirement savings.
Get a Comprehensive Pension Review
Book a free pension review with a Credible Life adviser. We assess all your pensions, identify opportunities and issues, and give you a clear action plan — at no cost to you.