Protecting Your Irish Pension Before the 2026 Changes

Ireland’s pension system is undergoing major reform, and for Irish nationals living in Portugal — or planning to move abroad — the consequences could be significant.

By April 2026, many single-member pensions and PRSAs will be wound up under new EU rules introduced through the IORP II Directive. These pensions will be transferred into new replacement structures.

The issue is that many of these structures are not suitable for people living outside Ireland.

What This Means for You

If your pension is moved into an inflexible structure, transferring it abroad at a later date — including to another EU country like Portugal — could trigger Irish tax charges of up to 50%.

In simple terms, doing nothing now could leave your pension locked in Ireland and heavily taxed when you eventually need to move it.

Why Acting Now Matters

Although the reforms complete in April 2026, action must be taken well before then. Once pensions are automatically transferred on wind-up, your options may be severely limited.

Early engagement with your provider and professional advice can help ensure your pension is placed in a structure that supports future mobility.

What You Will Learn

• How the Irish pension changes affect expats and future movers
• Why some pension structures create serious tax risks
• The cost of delay and lost flexibility
• The practical steps to take before the deadline

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