Living in Ireland
Your Complete Financial Guide
Essential guidance for UK expats navigating taxes, pensions, and financial planning in Ireland.
At SJB Global, we specialise in helping expats organise their financial lives and navigate the complexities of cross-border rules between Ireland and the UK.
Republic of Ireland – Tax & UK Pension Guide for Expats
Ireland is a popular destination for British expats, with a large UK community living and working across the country. It offers a tax system similar to the UK, attractive corporate tax policies, and tax-efficient options for pensions. This guide explains how Irish tax residency works, outlines key taxes, and explores options for managing a UK pension from Ireland.
Financial Planning Overview for UK Expats
Managing your finances as a UK expat in Ireland involves understanding key residency rules, tax obligations, and planning strategies to help secure your financial future.
Residency & Domicile
Understand how Irish residency, ordinary residency, and domicile status affect taxation and reporting obligations.
Taxes
Familiarise yourself with key Irish taxes, including income tax, social charges, capital gains, and inheritance considerations.
Pension Planning
Consider your options for UK pensions and overseas schemes while keeping tax efficiency and long-term growth in mind.
Professional Advice
Seeking guidance from qualified advisers helps ensure compliance, optimises retirement outcomes, and minimises tax surprises.
Defining an Irish Resident
Understanding your residency status is crucial, as it determines which taxes apply to you. In Ireland, individuals can be classified as:
- Resident – Generally, if you spend a significant portion of the year in Ireland, you are considered resident for tax purposes.
- Ordinary Resident – Usually follows after being a resident for several consecutive years. Even if you leave Ireland, you may remain ordinarily resident for a period of time.
- Domicile – Refers to your long-term intention to make Ireland your permanent home, or being born there.
Why it matters: Your residency and domicile status affect whether you are taxed on worldwide income or only income sourced or brought into Ireland.
Key Irish Taxes
Understanding the main taxes in Ireland is essential for UK expats, as your residency and domicile status will determine how and on what you are taxed.
Income Tax
Income from employment is taxed via PAYE (deducted at source). Individuals are subject to standard and higher rates depending on personal status, such as single, married, or one-parent family.
Universal Social Charge (USC)
A tax applied on gross income, with rates varying according to income type and circumstances. Certain high earners may face a surcharge, while some exemptions and reduced rates can apply.
Tax Credits & Allowances
Credits reduce the final tax bill, while allowances reduce taxable income. These can relate to personal circumstances such as age, dependents, or disability. Some credits must be claimed annually.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT)
A flat-rate tax applies to gains from disposals of assets, with a small annual exemption threshold.
Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT)
Tax on interest from bank accounts and savings.
Capital Acquisitions Tax (CAT)
Applies to gifts and inheritances. Exemptions may apply for small gifts or transfers to certain relatives.
Corporation Tax
Trading income is taxed at a lower rate, while non-trading income, such as investment income, is taxed at a higher rate.
Double Taxation & Overseas Transfer Charges
When managing a UK pension from Ireland, two key considerations can significantly impact your retirement planning: double taxation and overseas transfer charges.
Even if you move abroad, UK tax may still apply to your pension. However, as an Irish resident, you may be able to claim relief under the UK–Ireland double taxation agreement, ensuring you are not taxed twice on the same income.
For those considering transferring their pension to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS), it is important to understand the potential impact of overseas transfer charges. Transfers to schemes within the EEA or in your country of residence usually avoid additional charges, while transfers outside these areas may be subject to an overseas transfer charge depending on residency status and the QROPS location.
Being aware of these factors early can help you make informed decisions and optimise your retirement planning.
Stay Up to Date on Irish Taxes
Navigating Ireland’s tax system can be complex, and legislation changes regularly. Staying informed about residency rules, reporting obligations, and tax rates is essential to remaining compliant and making the most of planning opportunities. Regularly reviewing your financial situation with a professional adviser can help prevent surprises and enable timely, informed decisions.
Key Steps for Expats:
- Confirm Irish tax residency status
- Declare foreign assets (including crypto, if applicable)
- Review income, capital gains, and other applicable taxes
- Evaluate pension options (UK and local)
- Check the double taxation treaty implications
- Consider inheritance and estate planning
- Stay compliant with social security contributions
Resources for Expats in Ireland:
Irish Tax and Customs (Revenue) – official guidance on income, capital gains, and inheritance tax obligations.
UK Government – Living in Ireland – practical guidance for UK nationals on taxes, pensions, and residency.
See What Our Clients Say
SJB Global have been my pension provider for a few years now. From switching over which was effortless to the array of products that they have access to is impressive.... read more
Justin Woodmansee
Jake Barber has been a fantastic Financial Advisor for me. When I was moving from the UK to Germany last Summer, I was searching online for a Financial Advisor who... read more
Siddique Khan
Great experience so far with Ben, always keeps me up to date and informed and also great at explaining things clearly when the information gets a bit technical!
kirk siddall
My adviser was comprehensive and thorough in ensuring they fully understood my situation and my objectives. The solution provided gives a good return but also reduces the management costs notably... read more
Glenn Vaughan
It’s been a breath of fresh air dealing with Jake from SJB Global. My previous advisor had set up my portfolio badly with annual costs eating heavily into my profits.... read more
Darren Nash
I have found the support and advise offered by Daniel Lattimer to be very clear, concise and accurate. I can highly recommend him.
Bogdan Bienkowski
It is now been almost 18 months that I have been working with Matthew from SJB monitoring and advising on my pension policy. The support I am getting from Matthew... read more
Iyad Hindawi
Since start of using SJB Global in 2018, I've restructured my pension and savings plans. Professional knowledge, experience and understanding of different available products has enabled me to make... read more
Paul Austin
Hi,I would just like to say,SJB Global are a life saver and the person who helped me with my pension needs was Daniel Latimer..At first I was was a little... read more
Adrian Churchill
Down to earth financial advice, and fees that don't cost the earth.
Peter Nutt
We have been extremely impressed with the professionalism and quality of SJB Global. Randal has been our contact throughout the process of setting up our arrangements and he has shown... read more
Martin Kelsey
very knowledgeable, transparent and always clear communication
Stephen Daly
Following the decision to switch to SJB Global in 2020 Matthew Quinn has been there with professional advice, information and support every step of the way since. I would certainly... read more
ian killoh
Thoroughly satisfied in the service, no hesitation in recommending Lewis and the team.
Iain Powell
Having spent over 24 years of my working life in the UK, I decided to retire back in my home country. But with the issue of having to transfer my... read more
Didier Fernandez
Piers made my portfolio grow ad cut those toxic investments that otherwise would have gotten me into financial trouble. I'm very lucky to be a customer.
Tatyana van 't Hof-Minayeva
I moved my investment portfolio to SJB Global earlier this year as I was not seeing any growth with my previous investment company. I have to say that from the... read more
Paul Simms
I have been dealing with SJB since i retired 4 years ago and have had no issues with the service. The team are extremely helpful and have always looked... read more
Andrew Thompson
Alex Gover at SJB Global is a pleasure to work with. He is very professional, knowledgeable, and personable. I have no hesitation in recommending him and SJB Global. Alex advised... read more
Dan
After having a bad experience worrying about an underperforming portfolio after moving my pension out of the UK (a QUROPS) I decided to make the changeover to it being... read more
Mike Hatrick
A great caring team, nothing is ever too difficult for them to help you work through a problem.
Sue Barley
My adviser was comprehensive and thorough in ensuring they fully understood my situation and my objectives. The solution provided gives a good return but also reduces the management costs notably... read more
Glenn Vaughan
I feel very well looked after since I switched to support from Lewis at SJB Global. Receiving prompt attention as and when necessary is very important to me and I... read more
Kevin Mace
Whilst early in my journey with SJB I have been very impressed by the knoweldge, perseverance and professionalism I have benefited from as a client of Ben Eccles. Whilst there... read more
John Enoch
SJB Global have been my pension provider for a few years now. From switching over which was effortless to the array of products that they have access to is impressive.... read more
Justin Woodmansee
As first time clients of SJB global who have dealt solely with Mr Alex Gover from the moment of our initial approach to SJB and our subsequent investment. The... read more
Roslyn Kelly
We moved our financial advisor from UK to Ben Eccles at SJB Global and have been very impressed with the care and attention to detail that he provides. He... read more
Juliette Slater
Following the decision to switch to SJB Global in 2020 Matthew Quinn has been there with professional advice, information and support every step of the way since. I would certainly recommend... read more
ian killoh
Great experience using Ben at SJB global. Made it so easy to draw down funds, great timely communication with the added complexity of a 11 hour time difference. More importantly... read more
R S
very professional, friendly. good expertise. able to answer any and all relevant questions. proactive and trustworthy
jeremy hotchkiss
It’s been a breath of fresh air dealing with Jake from SJB Global. My previous advisor had set up my portfolio badly with annual costs eating heavily into my profits.... read more
Darren Nash
Alex Gover is the best !!! His approach is very professional, helpful and always available. His explanations are very clear and he makes it easier to understand the portfolio. I... read more
Farida SAFSAF
very knowledgeable, transparent and always clear communication
Stephen Daly
I have corresponded and spoken on the phone with Piers Kemp. His client service skills hit the top marks. He is professional, helpful, kind, polite, and knows what he is... read more
Kristiina St.Croix
A great caring team, nothing is ever too difficult for them to help you work through a problem.
Sue Barley
Jake Barber has been a fantastic Financial Advisor for me. When I was moving from the UK to Germany last Summer, I was searching online for a Financial Advisor who... read more
Siddique Khan
Outstanding customer service - really happy.
Olaf Ulrich
Since start of using SJB Global in 2018, I've restructured my pension and savings plans. Professional knowledge, experience and understanding of different available products has enabled me to make... read more
Paul Austin
I’ve dealt with Lewis over the past few months and he has been great help in transferring my pension across. He was always very professional and patient, ensuring I fully... read more
tanya spelkova
I feel very well looked after since I transferred my pension to SJB Global. Daniel responds promptly, concisely and clearly to my queries. Additionally SJB offer very competitive management and... read more
Graham Tod
Ready to Get Started?
Navigating taxation, pensions, and investment options in Ireland can be complex. Speak to an expert advisor to ensure your financial planning is compliant, tax-efficient, and aligned with your long-term goals.
What does the obligation free call include?
An initial 15-minute introduction call explaining our services and how we can help.
We go through a fact-finding exercise so we can then provide a full financial planning report including a personalised retirement forecast with future projections and work out how on track you are.
Lastly, we will provide a recommendation on any areas where we feel you could improve.
Who is SJB Global and meet your adviser
Our regulations, Independence and Fees
Our process from start to finish
Area we help with including:
UK Pension Advice
Retirement Planning
Investment Planning
Tax Planning
US Expat Services
International Estate Planning
Note: Minimum managed assets for SJB Global is £100,000 or currency equivalent.
Licensing & Regulations
Nexus Global specialises in providing a regulatory platform and compliance support to international financial advisers and intermediaries to enable them to meet regulatory requirements to provide their clients with a professional service. The financial advisers trading under SJB Global are members of Nexus Global. Nexus Global is a division of Blacktower Financial Management (International) Limited (BFMI). All approved members of Nexus Global are appointed representatives of BFMI. BFMI is licensed and regulated by the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (FSC) and bound by the rules under licence number 3647: http://www.fsc.gi/regulated-entity/blacktower-financial-management-international-limited-3647.