Website of the UK government

If you are moving permanently, you will only get yearly increases in your pension if you are in an European Economic Area (EEA) country or one of the other countries that have a special agreement with the UK. You will also need to match the relevant regulations.

You will find a link to a list of countries in the EEA below.

If you are living in the UK and are not planning to live in another EEA country for some time, you will need application form BR19 from your local Jobcentre Plus office or social security office.

If you are moving to another EEA country or anywhere else in the world you will need to inform The UK Pensions Service that you are moving abroad and give them your new address (contact details are below).

Building up a state pension abroad in the EEA

state pension age and entitlements vary from country to country

If you want to know about your own pension rights in another country in the EEA, you need to ask the department or unit responsible for pensions and benefits in that country. Check the government website for the country where you are moving to or are living in.

The state pension age and entitlements may vary depending on which country you are going to live in.

• European Economic Area (EEA) (opens new window)
• Find your local Jobcentre Plus (opens new window)

UK pension forecast

You can ask for a forecast of the UK state pension you can expect to get up to four months before you reach the UK pension age.

The forecast will tell you what your pension is now and whether or not you can get more by the time you reach UK pension age. It will not include any insurance you have paid in another EEA country.

If you are living outside the UK you will need to contact HM Revenue & Customs for pension forecasts or questions about your National Insurance contributions. The contact details are:

HM Revenue & Customs Charities, Assets and Residence (Residency)

Room BP1301

Benton Park View

Newcastle-upon-Tyne

NE98 1ZZ

If you are in the UK you can also telephone the Centre for Non-Residents (Newcastle) helpline on:

Tel: 0845 915 4811

If you are telephoning from outside the UK, dial the international code, then:

Tel: +44 191 203 7010

Claiming your pension in the EEA

remember to tell the Pension Service when you move abroad

Every EEA country has its own rules and the pensionable age may vary.

If you have been paying in to a state pension in the UK, you will usually be sent a claim form from the Pensions Service four months before you reach the UK pensionable age. It will ask you if you want to claim a UK retirement pension and for details of any periods of residence and state insurance you have in other countries. If you are living in another EEA country and claim a pension from that country, the UK Pension Service will pass details of your claim to any other EEA country where you have been insured.

Remember to tell the Pension Service when you change your address or the form may not get to you. If you have an enquiry about your pension when you are abroad, you can either complete the online form or contact the Pension Service International Pension Centre:

International Pension Centre
Tyneview Park
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
NE98 1BA
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0) 191 218 7777

• Overseas enquiries to The Pension Service (opens new window)
• Your pension and living overseas (opens new window)
• Planning ahead for retirement (opens new window)
• More about pensions (money, tax and benefits section)