🇬🇧 United Kingdom → 🇳🇿 New Zealand · Your UK pension
Your UK pension when emigrating from the UK to New Zealand
Whether it makes sense to move it into KiwiSaver / NZ super scheme depends on QROPS rules — and the answer is often "leave it". Here's why.
If you're moving from the UK to New Zealand, one of the first money questions is what happens to your pension. The destination system here is KiwiSaver / NZ super scheme.
Can you transfer a UK pension into KiwiSaver / NZ super scheme?
New Zealand is one of the few countries with QROPS-registered schemes, so moving a UK pension is genuinely feasible — and new migrants get a roughly 4-year transitional tax exemption on foreign income/transfers. After that window, transfers can be taxed under NZ's foreign-super rules. The timing decision matters a lot here: get NZ-UK cross-border advice early.
The 25% overseas-transfer charge
HMRC can apply a 25% Overseas Transfer Charge to a UK pension moved into a QROPS that doesn't meet the exemption conditions. Getting this wrong is one of the most expensive mistakes in the whole move — model it before you transfer anything.
Your real options
- Leave it invested in a UK SIPP or workplace scheme and draw it later — usually the simplest, and often the best.
- Where a compliant QROPS exists in New Zealand, transfer after taking advice on the overseas-transfer charge and the destination's tax treatment.
- A blend — consolidate UK pots into one SIPP now, decide on transferring once you're settled and the tax picture is clear.
Decide what happens to your pension before you move money — the right answer is tied to your UK residence status, your age, and whether New Zealand has a QROPS-registered scheme.
Frequently asked
Can I transfer my UK pension to New Zealand?
New Zealand is one of the few countries with QROPS-registered schemes, so moving a UK pension is genuinely feasible — and new migrants get a roughly 4-year transitional tax exemption on foreign income/transfers. After that window, transfers can be taxed under NZ's foreign-super rules. The timing decision matters a lot here: get NZ-UK cross-border advice early. A non-qualifying transfer can trigger HMRC's 25% Overseas Transfer Charge, so take cross-border advice first.
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Educational information only — not financial, tax, legal or migration advice. Fees reviewed 2026-06; verify current rules via official sources before acting.