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Posted 11 days ago by guyl lockyear
Moved to Australia permanently in November 2008. Finally got around to transfering to QROPS here with funds transfered May 2022. Have been permanent resident in Australia for over 16 years. Thinking about retirement and consolidating all my pension funds into a single account for simplicity. My understanding for the 5 year rule is that for completion of the transfer tax year plus a further 5 full tax years so April 2028 before I can access my pension or transfer to a non QROPS without tax due in UK - Is this correct? Additionally I am hearing comments re 10 year rule - Is this a requirement that I had to be non resident for 10 years (in which case i meet this requirement) , or has it something to do with 10 years from the pension transfer to QROPS fund in Australia? I am hoping to be able to retire and access pension or transfer pension to non QROPS without UK tax implications in 2029
Posted 4 days ago by HMRC Admin 25 Response
Hi guyl lockyear,
Since 6 April 2017, you need to have been resident outside the UK for 10 consecutive tax years before you can access a QROPS pension (before April 2017, the requirement was five consecutive tax years).
However, even if you satisfy the 10-year rule, you may still fall under UK tax rules if you withdraw from a QROPS within five years of switching from a UK-based pension.
The 10 years applies from when you transferred to the QROPS.
Thank you. 

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