Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS)
A STM QROPS continues to be a compelling choice for certain individuals thinking of retiring abroad
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What is a QROPS?
A QROPS is an offshore pension plan designed for non-UK resident individuals with UK pension assets who are looking to transfer their funds to a location which better suits their circumstances and financial planning objectives.
STM QROPS
QROPS which satisfy certain HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) criteria and are recognised by HMRC, can accept transfers of UK tax relieved pension funds from UK registered pension schemes or other QROPS. The benefits of transferring your pension fund into a QROPS include increased tax efficiency and investment flexibility.
Who is eligible for a QROPS?
Many individuals will be eligible for a QROPS, although QROPS are not designed for UK residents unless they intend to move or retire outside of the UK. There isn’t any hard and fast rule regarding the minimum or maximum transfer limits to a QROPS, however the suitability of a transfer is determined by a number of factors. As a general rule, transfers under £40,000 may not be cost effective.
Benefits of a QROPS
Greater tax efficiency
QROPS can invest in a broad range of international investments subject to the legislation in the jurisdiction where the QROPS is cited. Depending on the investments chosen, investment growth may not be subject to UK tax. If the member is a non-UK tax resident, no UK income tax is deducted at source on pension income.
Flexible investment options & No hidden charges
In addition to mainstream investments such as unit trusts, portfolio bonds, investment platforms, and discretionary fund managers, a QROPS can also invest in international commercial property and other approved assets.
A QROPS from STM has clearly defined charges which could offer significant savings.
Maximising benefits to beneficiaries
Generally, lump sums paid to beneficiaries are not subject to UK inheritance tax because QROPS satisfy UK regulations for Qualifying Non-UK Pension Schemes (QNUPS). QNUPS, like UK registered pension schemes, are specifically exempted from UK inheritance tax.
Similar to UK registered pension schemes, certain pension taxes may apply where a member is UK tax resident at the date of their death.
For non-UK residents, local tax rules may apply.
Specific advice should always be taken.
Overseas Transfer Charge (OTC) and Overseas Transfer Allowance (OTA)
In March 2017, HMRC Introduced an Overseas Transfer Charge for transfers to QROPS, unless certain exemptions applied. The two most commonly used exemptions are where:
- The QROPS and the member are based in the same country, or
- Where the QROPS and the member are in the EEA/Gibraltar – both at the time of transfer and for the subsequent 5 full UK tax years following the date of transfer.
If the individual cannot rely on an exemption the individual will incur a 25% tax charge on the value being transferred.
From 6th April 2024 transfers to QROPS will be tested against the Overseas Transfer Allowance. If the transfer value exceeds an individual’s available allowance, then either of the below will apply
- If the member can rely on an OTC exemption, a tax charge will be incurred on the excess over the OTA
- If the member cannot rely on an OTC exemption, then the OTC tax charge will apply on the whole transfer value.
Specific advice should always be sought.
Application of UK taxes
Temporary non-residence rules: No UK income tax will apply if the individual is non-UK resident for at least 5 full tax years, irrespective of the amount, or less than 5 years and total withdrawals (from the QROPS and/or UK Registered Pension Scheme) in the non-resident period are below £100,000.
Member payment regime: Protection from UK member payment regime, if the individual is non-UK resident. This is defined as non-UK resident for the last 5 or 10 full tax years before payment (depending on date of transfer to QROPS). Furthermore, for transfers from a Registered Pension Scheme to a QROPS after 5 April 2017 the member payment regime can apply for 5 years from date of transfer to the QROPS.
From 6th April 2024, UK resident QROPS members taking certain lump sums will also be tested against UK rules (the Lump Sum Allowance and the Lump Sum and Death Benefit Allowance).
Why STM
As an independent, multi-jurisdictional Administrator and Trustee offering a wide range of HMRC recognised QROPS, STM offer a unique and compelling choice for anybody thinking of retiring abroad.
Following the acquisition of STM Group PLC in October 2024, STM QROPS is now part of Global Pension Corporation.
To find out more, visit www.globalpensioncorporation.com.
Discover the benefits of a QROPS from STM
Simply fill in the form or contact one of our regional specialists
Anthony Lowes
Business Development Manager
Europe
E: anthony.lowes@stmgroupplc.com
T: +34 711 034 156
Stuart Denness
Managing Director
Australia
E: stuart.denness@stmgroupplc.com
T: +61 (0)450573371
STM Fidecs Pension
Trustees Limited
3rd Floor
55 Line Wall Road
Gibraltar, GX11 1AA
T (+350) 200 45877
T (+350) 200 42686
E enquiries@stmfidecs.gi
Regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission – permission number: 5978. Gibraltar Company registration number: 85583.
STM Fidecs Life Health
and Pensions Limited
3rd Floor
55 Line Wall Road
Gibraltar, GX11 1AA
T (+350) 200 45877
T (+350) 200 42686
E enquiries@stmfidecs.gi
Regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission – permission number: 9034. Gibraltar Company registration number: 97110.
STM Malta Pension
Services Limited
San Gwakkin Building
Level 1
Triq is-Salib tal-Imriehel
Zone 4 – Central Business District
Birkirkara, CBD4020
T (+356) 213 33210
E info@stmmalta.com
STM Malta Pension Services Limited is registered as a Retirement Scheme Administrator with the Malta Financial Services Authority. It is also authorised to act as trustee or co-trustee to provide fiduciary services in terms of the Trust and Trustees Act. Company Registration number: C51028