Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes enable British expatriates or foreign nationals who have worked in Britain to transfer their UK pensions overseas. A QROPS must be recognised by HMRC and meet UK tax legislation requirements. An alternative to a QROPS is a non-resident or international SIPP.

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A Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) is a vehicle that facilitates the transfer of existing UK pensions. It is best to arrange your finances in the most flexible manner possible. The objective is to access your capital when you want, where you want, and in the currency of your choice.

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QROPS: important information

It is essential to clearly understand pension legislation in your chosen country of retirement. After that, you need to select an appropriate product that allows you to benefit from both a tax and investment perspective.

You should note that the UK budget of Autumn 2024 extended the 25% overseas transfer charge on UK pensions to QROPS for EU/EEA tax residents. However, there are exceptions for individuals living in the same country that the scheme is established in.

Nigel and Jacqui Darbyshire

March 6, 2026

I have lived in France for 20 years and have worked with Des Cooney since 2022 when he helped me transfer my UK pensions to a QROPs. He is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. There was only a short window to get the transfer done and he was very efficient throughout the whole process. Since then, I've had regular contact with Des in the management of my investments and he has always been very available and willing to help find the best investments for my risk appetite. I can thoroughly recommend Des for your investment and pension needs.

Abby Ellington

March 11, 2026

Phil Loughton is an excellent financial adviser, my portfolio has made significant gains in the last 18 months due to his advice. Phil is a very approachable person and always available to answer questions.
I would highly recommend Phil to anyone looking for financial or pension advice.

Norman Wallace

March 19, 2026

Axis Financial Consultants were very helpful when I transferred my pensions from the UK.
They have the experience and were very professional and knowledgeable.
I highly recommend them.

What you need to know

QROPS is a vehicle that facilitates the transfer of existing UK pensions.

Rules & Regulations

As in every process, there are rules and regulations to ensure that a transfer to a QROPS functions correctly.

Eligible for a pension transfer

If you wish to transfer your pension from the UK, you must have already left the country for tax purposes or intend to leave shortly.

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Legitimate scheme

A list of Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (ROPS) is on the HMRC website.

Suitable jurisdictions

Since 2009 Malta has established itself as the primary jurisdiction for QROPS providers.

QROPS Rules and Regulations:
What makes a scheme a QROPS?

An HMRC-recognised pension scheme that allows British expatriates or foreign nationals who have worked in Britain for some time to transfer their UK pensions overseas. The pension scheme must meet requirements set by UK tax law and mirror that of regulated pension schemes in the UK.

Rules and Regulations:

As in every process, there are rules and regulations to ensure that a transfer to a QROPS functions correctly. The QROPS rules set by HMRC are consistent with UK rules. It is necessary to abide by these rules for the overseas pension scheme to be accepted by HMRC. The criteria outlined by HMRC for a foreign pension to qualify as a QROPS include the following:
• The pension scheme must be an overseas pension scheme
• It must register with the country’s tax authority as a pension scheme
• The local pension scheme state regulator should oversee the administration of the scheme

QROPS list: Where are the schemes established?

A list of Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (ROPS) is on the HMRC website. It consists of pension schemes that have informed HMRC that they meet the conditions to be a ROPS. European-based Expats seeking to move their UK pensions overseas are encouraged to seek out EU jurisdictions for their schemes where a double-taxation agreement (DTA) framework exists.

How do I know if it is a legitimate scheme?

For a scheme to qualify as a QROPS, it must first be a Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (ROPS). It must also provide benefits regarding retirement, ill health, death or similar circumstances. If it meets these requirements, the scheme must take certain additional steps to qualify as a QROPS as defined by the legislation.

Not all pension transfers to overseas schemes qualify as QROPS transfers. Verifying that the QROPS receiving your UK benefits is on the HMRC list is necessary. HMRC will treat a pension transfer to a scheme not on the ROPS list as a transfer to a non-qualifying overseas scheme and may impose substantial penalties.

This list consists of pension schemes that have informed HMRC that they meet the conditions to qualify as a ROPS. It is important to note that QROPS providers self-certify the list; HMRC doesn’t have an official approval system for ROPS. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the individual to find out if there is tax to pay on any transfer.

QROPS: Who is eligible for a pension transfer?

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The updated list of ROPS notifications

The ‘Pension Schemes Services’ department usually updates the list twice a month. A QROPS will be removed from the list if it no longer qualifies for recognition. If there are concerns about its status, HMRC may suspend the scheme and conduct further background checks.

As mentioned previously, there can be certain disadvantages in transferring to a QROPS, including the potential deregulation of the scheme. The UK Pension administrator will delist a QROPS if it finds insufficient pension regulation in a given jurisdiction. They are not obligated to make their reasons for delisting a particular scheme public. Members who are concerned about the removal of their QROPS from the published list should approach their scheme manager.

QROPS: Which jurisdictions are suitable

A limited number of territories qualify as being suitable for the hosting of overseas pension schemes. It is essential, however, to weigh up the pros and cons of each jurisdiction. We confidently advise on the appropriateness of QROPS in Spain and Portugal too.

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Malta is a favoured QROPS jurisdiction in the European market

Since 2009 Malta has established itself as the primary jurisdiction for QROPS providers. The local Maltese regulators work with HMRC to ensure compliance with rules and procedures.

Malta is now the place of choice for the transfer of UK pensions overseas. This is because Malta has an existing double-taxation agreement (DTA) framework. This framework consists of agreements with 59 other countries, including the UK and renowned EU retirement destinations.

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