Options for expat with UK pensions

FatherAbraham

Marine_life wrote: »

Our tax situation is a little complex in that we will retire to Austria, we've researched quite a bit around the state pensions and basically what happens is you apply in the country where you are retired and they then accumulate your various pension records and pay out the highest entitlement.

Any ideas on where to start looking for a reputable QROPS advisor?

Oh, Austria then, not Germany.

Yes, you'll apply to the Pensionsversicherungsanstalt (PVA) in Austria (probably the one in your local Bundesland). See http://www.pensionsversicherung.at for addresses and so on (by chance, I happened to have my statement of Pensionskontoerstgutschrift from the PVA lying on the sofa next to me when I saw this question).

Except you won't, if you weren't working in Austria when you retire.

If your last job was in Germany, then you apply in Germany, even if you're now living in Austria.

Warmest regards,
FA

FatherAbraham

Marine_life wrote: »

Any ideas on where to start looking for a reputable QROPS advisor?

I haven't seen anyone come up with a convincing case as to why you need to transfer these pension funds yet.

If you go to a QROPS advisor, you may sure that the advisor will help you to transfer your pensions for a fee. Whether you actually needed you do that transfer may not enter into the discussion at all.

Do not waste time thinking about QROPS until you have sound reasons for needing to transfer these UK pensions. Such reasons may not exist.

Warmest regards,
FA