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small pension age 31: take out what I put in or transfer?

I have worked in the UK and have recently emigrated to the UAE. My pension built up in the UK is about £7k: £3k put in by me, £4k put in by my previous employer in the UK. (defined contribution)

I currently have 2 options: taking out what I put in subject to tax and NI, OR transferring my pension somewhere else. My pension cannot stay where it is at the moment because I have not paid into my pension for longer than 2 years. Taking out what I have put in would leave me with a £5k loss or so straight away, moving it somewhere else is probably subject to regular fees (?) and probably requires regular top ups into my pension?

I am as green as can be when it comes to pensions and tried to read up in the forum but probably have missed lots of relevant information. I do not intend to pay much into a pension over the next 3 years or so, and will probably never move back to the UK again (I am Dutch). Therefore I will probably receive my pension outside the UK. I am not needing the cash at the moment or anytime before 65 - would transferring my pension be the best option?

Could someone please point me in the right direction as to how I can solve this best? Is there a pension expert I can speak with in Dubai (knowing 7k is 'peanuts' when it comes to pensions - particularly in the UAE)? I am 31 and expect to receive my residency visa for the UAE in the next couple of days.

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this and I would very much appreciate any directions and/or advice!

Comments

  • bump

    advice anyone?
  • atush
    atush Posts: 18,731 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Transfer it.

    You will NOT get back 3K, you will pay tax At your highest rate on it, plus NI contribs. This could see you getting back les than half. Buty if you transfer it, you get the whole 7K.
  • Atush, many thanks for your reply. Is there any way I could transfer it without having to pay annual 'maintenance' fees or at least keep them as low as possible?

    How could I do that? I am fully aware there are risks when it comes to funds or stocks etc. but I really do not have a clue on this subject :(
  • bigfreddiel
    bigfreddiel Posts: 4,263 Forumite
    bestinvest for a sipp -no annual charges

    continue with the sipp

    start s&s isa - do it right and you will be an isa millionaire in 20 years or so

    fj
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