FAQ

What happens to my UK pension if I move back to the EU?

When it comes to social security rules, the objective of the Withdrawal Agreement is to ensure that everything is as before. The EU rules continue to apply to EU citizens and family members protected by the Withdrawal Agreement.

This is a complex area that is highly dependent on individual circumstances. We suggest you research thoroughly and ask the UK’s International Pension Centre and the EU Commission’s ‘Your Europe’ for guidance on your particular case. 

You can find information about this in the following resources: 

1. The EU Commission’s Q&A document for EU citizens protected by the Withdrawal Agreement. Section 9 is focused on social security coordination and states: 

When you retire, you are entitled to a UK state pension under the conditions provided for in national legislation. 

If you decide to go back to an EU country: 

• You will continue to receive the UK state pension without any reduction
• Your UK state pension will continue to be uprated;
• The responsibility for paying for your healthcare cover will be determined depending on any other pensions you receive and your residence; For more details, see this article on Pensions on the European Commission’s website. 

There are several other circumstances which are covered by the Q&A document, so please refer to it as needed.

1. UK Government guidance covers examples which may be useful, although it is aimed at DWP staff.
2. General information on EU social security coordination. There is a specific page on how this works for people covered by the Withdrawal Agreement