Can You Still Get the UK State Pension While Living Abroad? Yes – and Here’s How
- Scott Jordan
- Sep 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 24
Did you know you can still qualify for and receive the UK State Pension, even if you’re living overseas? Whether you’re already an expat or planning to move abroad in the future, here’s what you need to know to stay on track for a secure retirement.
💷 How Much Is the UK State Pension in 2025?
As of the 2025/26 tax year, the new UK State Pension is £230.25 per week, which equals £11,973 per year.
The latest official forecasts suggest that from April 2026 it will increase to £241.05 per week. That works out to about £12,535 per year if you get the full amount.
It may not be enough to retire on by itself, but it’s a valuable source of income — especially if you plan to use it towards expenses like health insurance or daily living costs abroad.
🎂 When Can You Claim the UK State Pension?
The age at which you can claim your State Pension depends on when you were born:
Born before April 6, 1960: Eligible at age 66
Born between April 6, 1960 and April 5, 1977: Eligible at age 67
Born after April 6, 1977: Eligible at age 68
These ages may rise in the future — reviews are ongoing — so it’s worth keeping an eye on government updates.
✅ Am I Eligible for the UK State Pension?
To qualify, you must have at least 10 years of UK National Insurance (NI) contributions—these don’t have to be consecutive.
To receive the full State Pension, you’ll need 35 qualifying years of NI contributions. If you have between 10 and 35 years, you’ll receive a proportional amount.
👉 You can check your current NI record and how many qualifying years you have by visiting: https://www.gov.uk/check-national-insurance-record
🌍 Can I Contribute to the UK State Pension If I Live Abroad?
Yes, absolutely. If you’re working or living abroad, you may be eligible to pay voluntary NI contributions to maintain or boost your pension entitlement.
Most expats can pay Class 2 NI contributions (if you’re working abroad and meet certain HMRC criteria).
If you don’t qualify for Class 2, you may still be able to pay Class 3 contributions (a bit more expensive).
You can also backpay up to six years of missed contributions, which is especially helpful if you’ve been living abroad without contributing.
⚠️ Important: Class 2 contributions are significantly cheaper than Class 3 — but not everyone qualifies, so check with HMRC first.
💸 Is It Worth Paying Voluntary NI While Living Abroad?
In most cases — yes, it’s a great deal.
Class 2 contributions (2025/26): £3.45 per week = £179.40 per year
In return, you could receive £11,973 per year for life once you reach retirement age
You don’t need to be a financial advisor to see that the return on investment is substantial.
🌐 What If I Retire Abroad?
You can claim your UK State Pension anywhere in the world.
However, whether your pension increases each year depends on where you live:
Annual increases apply if you live in the EU/EEA, Switzerland, Gibraltar, the USA, Philippines and certain countries with a reciprocal social security agreement.
No increases (frozen pensions) apply in countries like Canada, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand and New Zealand.
👉 Always check the latest list on gov.uk before making long-term plans.
🤔 I’m Young – Should I Worry About This Now?
Yes! The earlier you start building up your qualifying years, the easier (and cheaper) it will be to secure your full State Pension.
Even if retirement feels a long way off, it’s smart to take control now — especially if you’re working internationally and risk gaps in your record.
🧓 So That’s My Retirement Sorted Then…?
Not quite. The UK State Pension is a great foundation, but it’s unlikely to cover all your retirement needs — especially if you plan to live overseas.
If you’re an expat or international worker, it’s important to also save and invest independently with solutions tailored to your lifestyle, currency needs, and long-term goals.
Need Help?
At Max Foresight, we specialise in international pension and retirement planning, helping expats around the world build a financially secure future.
If you’d like personalised advice or want to explore your options, feel free to reach out:
Disclaimer: This information is accurate as of the 2025/26 tax year and is for general guidance only. Individual circumstances may vary — consult a qualified financial advisor for tailored advice.
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