Living or working abroad doesn't necessarily mean that you can't
build up or receive a state pension from the UK.
Building up UK state pension while living overseas
If you live in or pay into the social security system of:
- a country in the European Economic Area;
- Switzerland;
- a country that has a social security agreement with the
UK.
This may help you to build up a state pension in the
UK.
Click here for more information about these
countries.
You may also be able to claim a state pension from the country
you are living in, if you are paying into its state pension
scheme.
Claiming UK state pension while living overseas
You can receive your UK state pension when you are living
overseas. If you move overseas after you have started to receive
your state pension, and payment is made directly into your bank or
building society, the payments can continue, but you should let the
pension service know when you are going to leave the UK.
Receiving increases to your UK state pension while living
overseas
Your state pension will increase each year, but only if you live
in:
- the UK for 6 months or more each year;
- the European Economic Area (EEA);
- Switzerland;
- a country that has a social security agreement with the UK that
allows for increases.
If you live outside these areas, you won't get yearly
increases. If you return to live permanently in the UK, your
state pension will be increased each year.
To find out more about state pensions and benefits if you live
or have lived overseas, and to claim your benefits, go to www.gov.uk/international-pension-centre.
