UK Pension Transfer to New Zealand: A Practical Guide
If you’ve worked in the UK and now live in New Zealand, chances are you still have a UK pension sitting overseas. One of the most common questions I’m asked is:
“Can I transfer my UK pension to NZ and should I?”
The answer depends on what type of UK pension you have, when you moved to NZ, and what your long‑term plans are. This guide breaks it down in plain English.
Can you transfer a UK pension to New Zealand?
✅ Yes – but only certain UK pensions
You can transfer some UK pensions to New Zealand, but only if they are:
Private or workplace pensions (usually defined contribution schemes)
Transferred into a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS)
❌ You cannot transfer:
The UK State Pension
Most UK government or public‑sector pensions (e.g. Teachers’ Pension Scheme, NHS, Civil Service)
These must remain in the UK and are paid to you as income later in life.
What is a QROPS?
A QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) is an overseas pension scheme that has been approved by HMRC to receive UK pension transfers.
Key points:
QROPS allows UK pensions to be transferred without triggering UK tax penalties
The money must remain a retirement investment (it can’t be accessed early)
KiwiSaver is NOT a QROPS and cannot accept UK pension transfers
In NZ, QROPS schemes sit alongside KiwiSaver as a separate retirement structure.
Which NZ providers can accept UK pension transfers?
While KiwiSaver providers themselves are not QROPS‑qualified, some NZ superannuation schemes are. These are specifically designed to meet UK pension rules.
Examples include: NZ Funds (Managed Superannuation Service) & Booster SuperScheme
The right option depends on fees, investment approach, currency exposure, and retirement timing.
Should you transfer your UK pension to NZ?
Potential benefits
Consolidates retirement savings in one country
Converts assets into NZ dollars (reducing GBP currency risk)
Easier to manage alongside KiwiSaver and NZ investments
Access to NZ‑based advice and reporting
Things to be careful of
Some UK pensions include guarantees that may be lost
Transfers are usually irreversible
Exchange rates and tax outcomes matter
Not always the best option for defined benefit pensions
There is no one‑size‑fits‑all answer.
What if you don’t transfer?
You can also:
Leave the pension in the UK
Access it later (usually from age 55–57)
Receive payments into a NZ bank account
This can work well in some cases, particularly for smaller balances or where UK fees are low.
Final thoughts
UK pension transfers can be a powerful part of your retirement plan but they need to be done correctly, at the right time, and into the right structure.
If you’re unsure:
What type of UK pension you have
Whether a transfer is allowed
Or whether it makes sense for your situation
Getting advice early can save significant tax and prevent costly mistakes. Feel free to reach out & we can guide you to the right place.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances. UK pension transfers are complex and subject to UK and NZ tax rules. Personalised advice should be obtained before making any decisions.