What happens to your pension if you retire abroad?

Thousands of wealthy individuals are leaving the UK to avoid higher taxes. We look at what happens to your pension if you retire abroad.

Retired couple stand on beach and look at mountains on the horizon as they enjoy retirement abroad.
There's a lot to think about when considering retiring abroad, including what happens to your pension pot.
(Image credit: Jacob Wackerhausen via Getty Images)

Retiring abroad has long held a lure for some Brits keen to exchange the harsh winters for balmy sun-drenched days.

While retiring abroad sounds great, what would happen to your pension savings? And do you still get the UK state pension if you retire abroad?

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
Ruth Emery
Contributing editor

Ruth is an award-winning financial journalist with more than 15 years' experience of working on national newspapers, websites and specialist magazines.

She is passionate about helping people feel more confident about their finances. She was previously editor of Times Money Mentor, and prior to that was deputy Money editor at The Sunday Times. 

A multi-award winning journalist, Ruth started her career on a pensions magazine at the FT Group, and has also worked at Money Observer and Money Advice Service. 

Outside of work, she is a mum to two young children, while also serving as a magistrate and an NHS volunteer.