Pensions & investments for expats in the UK
Start building a UK pension, consolidate existing pots, or begin investing for the long term. Whether you are new to the UK or transferring pensions from abroad, find vetted platforms and services tailored for expats and new arrivals.
Browse providers ↓Pension & investment platforms for expats
Every provider below has been reviewed by our editorial team before listing.
Capital at risk. The value of investments can go down as well as up. You may get back less than you invest. This directory is for information only and does not constitute financial advice. If you are unsure, consult an FCA-regulated financial adviser.
4 providers listed
The UK's largest investment platform, holding over £150bn in client assets. HL offers a SIPP, Stocks & Shares ISA, Lifetime ISA and general investment account under one roof, with access to 2,500+ funds, shares, ETFs and bonds. A strong choice for expats who want broad investment options and a trusted, established provider.
PensionBee specialises in bringing together old pension pots into one easy-to-manage plan. If you have workplace pensions from previous UK employers, PensionBee traces and consolidates them automatically. The app gives a clear view of your pension value and projected retirement income — ideal for expats managing multiple pots.
The global pioneer of low-cost index investing. Vanguard's UK platform offers a SIPP and Stocks & Shares ISA with access to their full range of index funds and ETFs — including the globally popular FTSE All-World and LifeStrategy funds. Account fees are capped at £375/year, making it highly cost-effective for larger portfolios.
A well-established, fully FCA-regulated UK investment platform offering SIPP, ISA, Lifetime ISA and general investment accounts. Known for competitive platform fees, particularly on larger portfolios, AJ Bell provides access to shares, funds, ETFs and investment trusts. A solid alternative to HL for cost-conscious investors.
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Pensions and investing as an expat in the UK
The UK pension system offers generous tax relief — you receive 20% basic rate tax relief on pension contributions automatically, with higher and additional rate taxpayers able to claim further relief through self-assessment. For expats arriving from countries without equivalent benefits, building a UK pension from day one is a significant financial advantage.
Auto-enrolment means most employees are enrolled into a workplace pension automatically once they meet the qualifying criteria. This is a good starting point, but many expats will also want a personal SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) for greater control, or to consolidate old pension pots from previous UK employers. PensionBee makes this straightforward through its pension-tracing and consolidation service.
For broader investing beyond pensions, the Stocks & Shares ISA is the UK's most tax-efficient wrapper — you can invest up to £20,000 per year with no tax on dividends, capital gains or interest. Hargreaves Lansdown and AJ Bell offer full platforms with thousands of investment options. Vanguard is the standout choice if you want simple, low-cost index fund investing — their LifeStrategy range lets you pick a single fund that automatically maintains a globally diversified portfolio.
If you have overseas pensions — particularly from the US, Australia or EU member states — the rules around transferring them to UK pension schemes are complex. We strongly recommend consulting an FCA-regulated financial adviser who specialises in expat pension transfers before taking any action.
Pensions & investment FAQs for expats
Yes. Any UK resident under 75 can open a personal pension or SIPP and receive tax relief on contributions. You can contribute up to £60,000 per year (or 100% of your UK earnings if lower). Your employer must automatically enrol you in a workplace pension once you meet the qualifying criteria — currently earnings above £10,000/year and age between 22 and state pension age.
A SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) is a pension wrapper that gives you control over where your pension money is invested — unlike a standard workplace pension with a limited fund range. SIPPs are useful for expats who want to consolidate old pension pots, choose their own investments or invest in a wider range of assets. You still receive the same tax relief as any other pension. Providers like Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell and PensionBee all offer SIPPs.
Transferring an overseas pension to the UK is possible but complex. The UK has QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme) rules that govern transfers from foreign schemes, and getting this wrong can result in large tax charges. US 401(k) plans and Australian Superannuation funds in particular require careful specialist advice. Always consult an FCA-regulated financial adviser who specialises in international pension transfers before proceeding.
A Stocks & Shares ISA lets you invest up to £20,000 per year in funds, shares and ETFs with no tax on gains, dividends or interest. To open one you must be a UK resident aged 18 or over. Expats who are UK tax residents qualify. Note that if you later leave the UK, you can keep your existing ISA but cannot make further contributions while non-resident.
The UK government's free Pension Tracing Service at gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details can help locate lost pension pots from old employers. Alternatively, PensionBee's consolidation service will trace, contact and transfer old pensions on your behalf. The government estimates there are around 2.8 million unclaimed pension pots in the UK worth a combined £26bn.
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