Can I move my UK pension to Dubai?
You can’t directly transfer your UK pension into a Dubai-based pension scheme — because the UAE doesn’t have any HMRC-recognised QROPS (Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme).
But — if you become a UAE tax resident, you can still receive your UK pension income from abroad, and potentially pay 0% tax on it, if planned correctly.
1. Keep your UK pension and draw it down from Dubai
Still the most common and legal path.
Your pension stays in the UK, and you withdraw income from abroad.
You’re properly non-resident under the Statutory Residence Test, and
You rely on the UK–UAE double tax treaty (which allows exemption).
Many HNWIs in Dubai use this method for clean, low-friction income — especially with flexible drawdown.
2. Transfer to a QROPS — but not in the UAE
You can transfer to a QROPS in approved countries like Malta, but:
UAE doesn’t have HMRC-approved QROPS.
If you transfer to a different country, you may face the 25% Overseas Transfer Charge, unless you’re tax resident in the QROPS country.
Only suitable for people relocating within the EU or to QROPS-qualified jurisdictions.
3. Use an International SIPP
Keeps your pension under UK regulation.
Gives you global investment access.
No QROPS rules or 25% penalties.
This is a preferred route for UK expats in Dubai who want flexibility without transferring jurisdiction.
Can I transfer into a UAE pension plan?
No — UAE retirement plans don’t accept UK pension transfers.
You can contribute to them if you live and work in the UAE — but you can’t shift existing UK pensions into them.
HNW Retirees → Maximize post-UK drawdowns under 0% UAE tax
Mobile Entrepreneurs → Use SIPPs for flexibility and offshore compliance
Second-Gen Wealth Planners → Combine drawdown with long-term asset structuring
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