Illustrative tool
See how your pension pot could grow over time. Adjust the inputs to explore different scenarios.
Illustrative only, not financial advice.
The Pension Pot Illustrator is a free tool that projects how a UK pension pot could grow to a target retirement age, based on a starting balance, regular contributions, and an assumed annual growth rate. It is designed for internationally mobile UK nationals who want a simple, adjustable illustration of their pension trajectory before speaking with a regulated specialist. Figures are illustrative only and do not account for inflation, tax charges, or adviser fees.
These figures are illustrative only and are not financial advice. Projections assume a constant growth rate with no charges, inflation, or tax deducted. Actual outcomes will differ. Speak with a regulated specialist before making any financial decisions.
Optional. Around 1.0% per year is a widely used benchmark; typical expat arrangements often run at 1.5 to 1.6%.
Projected pension pot
£612,413
after 20 years at 5% growth
Illustrative only, not financial advice.
Ready to review your pension options with a specialist?
SIPP, QROPS, and cross-border pension decisions need regulated advice. We can make the introduction.
Questions
Common questions about expat pension planning
How is the pension pot projection calculated?
The illustrator uses a compound growth model based on your starting balance, monthly contributions, assumed annual return, and retirement age. It does not account for inflation, tax charges, or adviser fees: it is a simplified illustration only.
Can I transfer my UK pension abroad as an expat?
Depending on your circumstances and destination country, it may be possible to transfer a UK pension to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). This is a complex area: eligibility, tax treatment, and regulatory requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. A qualified specialist should be consulted before any transfer is considered.
What is the difference between a SIPP and a QROPS for expats?
A SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) remains a UK-registered scheme and is subject to UK pension rules, including lifetime allowance considerations and tax treatment on income drawn. A QROPS is an overseas pension scheme that has met HMRC requirements: it is sometimes used by long-term non-UK residents, but carries additional complexity and is not suitable for all situations, particularly US persons. Whether either structure fits your circumstances is a question for a regulated specialist.
Does this illustrator include adviser fees in the projection?
No. The projection uses the gross annual return you input and does not deduct advisory or platform fees. In practice, ongoing charges have a significant long-term effect: around 1.0% per year is a widely used benchmark, while typical expat arrangements often run at 1.5% to 1.6%. The fee comparison tool on our adviser comparison page models this effect in detail.
When should I review my pension arrangement as an expat?
As a general guide, many people choose to review their pension arrangement if they have not done so in more than two years, if they have moved country since the last review, if the pension has grown significantly, or if they are within ten years of planned retirement. A cross-border specialist can assess whether your current structure remains appropriate for your jurisdiction.
Visit our full FAQYour pension projections are illustrative. A regulated specialist can give you a personalised analysis.