Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) are pension transfer arrangements for expatriates or intending expats. New Zealand QROPS hold a particular place in the market for long term expats.

This category of expats can be best described as having not been UK resident for five complete UK tax years.

Financial Pages in Spain: New Zealand QROPS - Update

There have been stories in the financial press that NZ QROPS might be ended by the UK tax authorities (HMRC). However, I've been reading those for nearly 3 years and NZ QROPS are still going strong. Indeed, if the advantages of QROPS in NZ are ended it will come from the New Zealand regulator not HMRC.

I fully expect NZ QROPS to continue to be available for at least 12 months.

If there is any warning due here, it is that all pension transfers should only be undertaken with fully qualified and regulated financial advisers.


davidgoodall