Rob

A question about NI gap years and pension: As a foreigner, I worked around 2001 for the first time a year in the UK. Did pay NI contributions but asked to be paid back when I left. So that year does not qualify. Since 2011 I work in the UK and pay NI contributions. I have now around 14 qualifying years. I have Gap years in my UK pension: for 2006-2010, which I could pay voluntary. Can I pay for these years voluntary and would they qualify for my state pension? Reason I ask: I moved to the UK in 2011. Though I did work for a short year before in the UK.