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Benefits of Transferring Your UK Pension to Australia

Published: 1 April 2025


4 min read

Are you an Australian Tax Resident with a UK pension? Did you know you could maximize your retirement savings by transferring your UK pension to Australia?

BlueRock’s wealth and investment managers, in partnership with UK pension transfer experts, show you the benefits of undertaking a UK pension transfer to Australia.

Zero Income Tax on Pension Income

In Australia, once you’re retired and hit that golden age of 60, or 65 if you’re not retired, you can access your superannuation funds entirely tax-free. This is a significant advantage compared to the UK's system, where only 25% of your pension pot is tax-free, and the rest is taxed as income.

Flexibility on Your Pension Withdrawals

In Australia, once you’re in the pension phase, your superannuation income is generally tax-free. You also have more flexibility on how much and when you can take money out of Superannuation.

How Transferring Your UK Pension to Australia Can Benefit Your Beneficiaries

Thinking about your loved ones? In Australia, superannuation benefits can generally be passed on to dependents without the burden of taxes. In the UK, your pension might be subject to inheritance tax, which can significantly eat into the amount your dependents receive.

Often in the UK, only 50% of Defined Benefit income passes to a spouse and often nothing to children upon the spouse passing. Superannuation in Australia offers excellent estate planning benefits. This means you can structure your assets to ensure maximum benefit for your beneficiaries.

Investment Control and Flexibility

Do you like having control over your investments? By transferring your UK pension to an Australian Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) or Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) or if you are under age 55 to a UK SIPP managed by BlueRock in Australia, you get more control and flexibility.

You can choose investments that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. This flexibility allows for strategic tax planning and better financial outcomes. You can also reduce fees by consolidating your Super savings.

Reduced Regulatory Risk When Transferring Your UK Pension to Australia

Leaving your pension in the UK subjects it to future UK tax and regulatory changes. These changes could impact your retirement income. By transferring your pension to Australia after age 55, you bring it under Australian tax laws, providing more stability and predictability. Some UK pension schemes are not fully funded so there is a risk you may not receive all the pension you are eligible for.

Transferring Your UK Pension to Australia Under 55

Transferring your UK pension to Australia before the age of 55 can be tricky, but not impossible. It's important to seek expert guidance and understand potential tax implications and compliance requirements. As always, proactive discussions with a financial advisor are key to making informed decisions.

Better Exchange Rate Management

Managing exchange rates can be tricky and expensive. If you leave your pension in the UK, you’ll have to deal with payouts in GBP and the associated exchange rate risk. By transferring your pension to Australia, you can choose when to convert the GBP to AUD and manage your finances within the Australian financial system, making your retirement planning simpler and more efficient.

Ready to Transfer Your UK Pension to Australia?

Transferring your UK pension to Australia isn’t just a financial decision; it’s a lifestyle upgrade. At BlueRock, we’re here to help you unlock the full potential of your UK pension, providing you with expert advice and seamless solutions.

Remember, if you have A$400,000 or more in a UK pension, are a permanent resident of Australia, and plan to retire here, you could enjoy these benefits depending on the type of your UK pension.

With many regulatory, tax and age considerations, navigating the transfer of your UK pension to Australia can be challenging. Contact our UK pension transfer experts to get started on securing a brighter, more financially stable future.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended as general information only and should not be considered as advice on any matter and should not be relied upon as such. This information has been prepared without taking into account any individual objectives, financial situation or needs. You should therefore consider the appropriateness of the information before acting or seek advice before making any financial decisions.

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