If you are a UK expat in Asia and you want to qualify for a full UK state pension, you can top up your National Insurance (NI) contributions as far back as 2006. And you now have until 5th April 2025 to do it. We tell you how.
State pension rights for UK expats in Asia
The UK state pension for 2023-24 is £203.85 per week, which adds up to £10,600 per year. That’s not much if it is your sole source of income in retirement however it does represent a healthy boost to an existing retirement plan.
If you have worked 10 years or more in the UK, you will qualify for a pro-rata state pension linked to the number of qualifying years you have accumulated. If you have 35 qualifying years, you will get the full state pension.
The good news for expats is that you can top up missing years by paying voluntary contributions, even if you have been living abroad for many years.
Ordinarily, there is a six-year limit to the number of years you can top up. However, at present the government has granted an extension to individuals wishing to plug the gaps in their NI history. Actually, this is an extension of an extension of an extension! Whatever, it’s good news if you haven’t done it already as you now have until 5th April 2025 to backpay NI contributions as far back as 2006.
For many expats, this represents a golden opportunity to secure a full UK state pension, and the extension gives you more time to consider whether it makes sense as an add-on to your existing retirement plan.
How to top up NI contributions to secure a full UK state pension
The first step is to check your UK National Insurance record online.
Your NI record will show you exactly how many qualifying years you have and how many more you need to reach the 35 years required to guarantee a full UK state pension.
If you decide to fill gaps in your record, applying to pay voluntary contributions is relatively easy. Check out the NI38 leaflet from HMRC for all the information you need.
It costs just £3.45 per week (2023-24 tax year) to top up Class 2 contributions whereas Class 3 contributions cost £17.45 per week. Most working expats will be eligible for class 2 contributions but the ultimate decision rests with HMRC.
To apply, fill in HMRC’s CF83 form as soon as possible and send it to the address indicated on the form.
Although you now have until 5th April 2025, it’s a good idea to make a decision on this sooner rather than later so that you don’t forget.
Is it worth your while to top up voluntary NI contributions?
This will depend on a number of factors including how many years you have validated so far, whether you plan to return to work in the UK and for how long, and whether you are eligible for class 2 or class 3 contributions.
If class 2 contributions apply to your situation, it will cost you £180 per year to secure over £10,000 in retirement.
Class 3 contributions will cost you significantly more so this may not be such a no-brainer.
Your Infinity financial adviser can help you weigh up the pros and cons of this decision in the context of your overall financial plan. Don’t hesitate to contact them to discuss your situation.
Expat financial planning for retirement
And just in case you missed the message earlier, do not rely on a state pension to fund your retirement.
If you are not already saving and investing in a pension, now is the time to put a financial plan in place. That applies whether you are in your 20s, 30s, or even your 50s. While it is advisable to start planning for retirement early, better late than never.
If you would like to discuss retirement planning with one of our experienced financial advisers across Asia, please feel free to get in touch.
We are experts at putting together tailored financial plans for expatriates in Asia who want to build and protect their wealth for a bright future.
Chartered FCSI
I have over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and hold a Chartered FCSI qualification. I ensure that our operations are fully compliant with the rules of our most stringent regulators.
