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As your financial adviser helps you navigate through your investment journey, they will act as a conduit to our dedicated professional support teams.
January 5, 2021
UAE Financial Advice
Expat Pension Advice in the UAE
Your future, your freedom. Wherever life takes you. For expats in the UAE, Skybound helps you take control of your retirement, so you can live the life you’ve always imagined.
Moving to the UAE opens up a whole host of new opportunities, and that includes what you can do with your pension. With no income tax and greater control over your finances, seize the opportunity to take control of your pension and shape the retirement you deserve.
No matter what your situation, whether you're thinking about transferring a pension from your home country, combining multiple pots, or just want to understand your options, we’re here to guide you through it.
Our specialist financial advisers at Skybound Wealth know the rules inside out, giving you access to professional expat pension advice and helping you build the future retirement you always dreamt of.
Book a Free Expat Pensions Consultation
Explore effective pension plans for expats with a Skybound Wealth manager
Pension Options for Expats in the UAE
Pension planning is never a one-size-fits-all approach, especially when you're managing pensions across multiple jurisdictions. The right pension strategy can help you make the most of your earnings, reduce your tax burden, and secure your future.
We don’t just look at what’s available, we help you assess what’s right. No matter where your country of origin is, our expert pension advisers are well-equipped to deal with complex pension structures and requirements from the UK, US, South Africa, and beyond.
So whether you’re looking to transfer an existing pension to a more optimal scheme or consolidate multiple pensions into one, we’ll work with you to understand your current pension setup, income potential, and goals. Then we’ll build a plan that keeps you on the road to a retirement that you deserve.
Pension Options for Expats: What Works Best?
Transferring a UK Pension
When seeking expat pension advice, it’s best to know if you’ve built up a UK pension before moving abroad. If so, you may be able to transfer it to a more tax-efficient scheme. The most common option is an International SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension), which allows greater control over how your pension is invested.
Exploring all your options with a pension specialist at Skybound Wealth will allow you to have freedom of control over your pension investments, reduce currency risks, and potentially eliminate UK income tax charges on withdrawals.
However, not all pensions can, or should, be transferred. Our team can assess your situation and help determine if it’s the right move for you. We’ll help you explore all the options available to you to make the most of your retirement.
Consolidating Multiple Pensions
Do you have pensions built up across multiple past employers? You're not alone. Many expats benefit from combining pensions into a single, streamlined plan. Pension consolidation makes it easier to manage your money, track performance, and, in some cases, reduce fees. We’ll help you understand the pros and cons, and whether it's the right move based on your retirement horizon.
Building a Retirement Plan from Scratch
Moving to the UAE is exciting, but it can also mean leaving your old pension behind. Whether you’re self-employed, working for a company without retirement benefits, or simply ready to take control of your future, we’ll help you create a plan that works for you.
Even if you’re starting from scratch, our expat pension advice will help you blend the perfect balance between living for now and planning for your first-class retirement.
Pension Considerations
Maybe you’re wondering if your pension will be enough. Perhaps you’ve lost track of old plans, or maybe you just want someone to make sense of the numbers and give you a clear path to your perfect retirement.
Whatever your reason, you’re not alone, many expats in the UAE face the same questions. Getting expat pension advice from one of our advisers will help you understand where you stand today, what your options are, and how to plan for the retirement you deserve.
Here’s what we do at Skybound to help you understand your current position and get to where you want to be:
Gap
Analysis
We’ll show you exactly where you stand by comparing your pension savings with your retirement goals, identifying any shortfall and how to close it.
Using our shortfall calculator is a good place to start.
Bespoke
Planning
No two retirements look the same, so we’ll create a tailored plan that fits your lifestyle, goals, and financial situation.
Your strategy will reflect the realities of living and working in the UAE.
Goal
Setting
We’ll help you define what retirement means for you, from when you’d like to stop working to the lifestyle you want to enjoy.
Clear goals give us the foundation to build a plan that can help you achieve your dream retirement.
Ongoing Reviews and Adjustments
Your personal needs and circumstances change over time, so your pension plan should too.
We’ll review regularly to keep your strategy aligned with your goals and the wider economy.
Cross-Border Pension Structuring
For expats, pensions often span multiple countries and systems.
We’ll consolidate your plans so they work together efficiently, taking into account international tax rules, currency exposure, and long-term income needs.
Why Choose Skybound Wealth Management For Expat Pension Advice?
Seeking expat pension advice is a big decision, and choosing an adviser without expertise can affect your retirement income, tax position, and long-term security. At Skybound Wealth, we understand the unique pension needs of UAE expats and create strategies that work locally and across borders. With Skybound you benefit from:
- Global reach: With 11 offices across 4 different continents, we’re well-equipped to manage multi-jurisdiction pension positions.
- Full-service expertise: We cover a whole suite, including personal pensions, retirement income planning, tax efficiency, and cross-border pension transfers.
- Award-winning expat pension advice: We’re recognised at the International Adviser Best Practice Awards for excellence in client service and global wealth management, with all advisers operating to the highest international compliance standards.
- Proven results: 6,000+ international clients, $1.3 billion in savings under management, and 27 industry awards since 2021, reflect our track record in helping expats grow, protect, and maximise their wealth.
- 24/7 access to your portfolio: We work with leading fintech platforms to give you full-time access to your pension position.
With a combination of in-depth pension knowledge and a global perspective, Skybound can ensure your retirement plan works for you in the UAE, and wherever life takes you next.
Pension Planning for Expats
When building a financial plan as an expat, preparing for retirement is one of the most important steps. At Skybound Wealth, we help you create flexible, tax-efficient pension strategies that grow with you — whether you plan to retire in the UAE or abroad. Our advisers combine international expertise with local insight to ensure your pension is structured to deliver long-term security, wherever life takes you.
Skybound Is Here To Help
Making the most of your money in the UAE starts with the right advice, and our experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
Many expats pair their savings accounts with long-term investments, and we are uniquely placed to advise on both to find the solution that works with your level of risk and financial goals.
6,000
+
international clients & growing
$
1.3
Billion
of client savings under management
27
Industry Awards & Counting Since 2021
11
offices on 4 continents & more opening soon
With a passion for personal and professional development that exists throughout the company, and comprehensive development support, we empower our people to be the very best they can be as we strive as a collective to not only remain at the forefront of international financial planning, but to lead its evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep contributing to my home country pension while living in the UAE?
What are my options if I don’t have a pension through my UAE employer?
Can I access my pension early if I need to?
What happens to my pension when I move back home or to another country?
Client Success Stories
Case Study
Second-Generation Wealth Plan
Situation:
Jaques, a 52-year-old South African entrepreneur, had accumulated substantial wealth over his career but faced the challenge of passing it on to his children, who lived abroad. He was uncertain about how to efficiently transfer his wealth while ensuring his legacy was protected.
Solution:
Skybound helped Jaques design a comprehensive estate plan that included a legacy trust and an education fund for his children. We structured his assets for seamless cross-border transfer, using tax-efficient wealth management solutions to minimise tax implications. The plan also included investment strategies that provided flexibility, ensuring Jaques' wealth would be preserved and effectively passed to the next generation.
Outcome:
Jaques now has a clear, well-organised strategy for transferring his $4.2M across three continents. His wealth is structured to ensure that his children will benefit from his legacy without the complexities of cross-border legal issues.
Quote from Client:
“Skybound gave me peace of mind, knowing that my wealth will pass on to my children as I intended, without any complications.”
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Case Study
Maximising a Windfall
Situation:
Pierre, a French expat in the Gulf, received a $150K bonus and was unsure how to allocate the funds to meet his long-term financial goals. With multiple priorities, education, retirement, and aligning his investments with his personal values, he needed guidance.
Solution:
Skybound helped Pierre invest his lump sum into a diversified investment portfolio and planned for future growth with regular contributions. We allocated part of the funds to an education savings plan, set aside for retirement savings, and invested in ESG funds that aligned with his values. This approach created a well-rounded, tax-efficient portfolio designed for both financial growth and alignment with his principles.
Outcome:
Pierre now has a diversified investment portfolio that balances his financial goals with his values, ensuring long-term growth while staying true to his principles. With ESG investments and a structured savings plan in place, he’s confident that his financial future is secured.
Quote from Client:
“Skybound helped me make sure my bonus works for me across multiple areas of my life, andI’m proud to invest in line with my values.”
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Case Study
Planning for Early Retirement in Asia
Situation:
David, a 38-year-old Australian expat in Singapore, had no pension and dreamed of retiring by age 55. Without a clear strategy, he wasn’t sure how to make it happen.
Solution:
Skybound helped David develop a personalised retirement plan, focusing on creating a passive income stream through global tax-efficient savings solutions and a diverse investment portfolio. We introduced a regular savings plan that allowed him to build long-term wealth, while ensuring inflation was accounted for to keep his future income growing with living costs.
Outcome:
By age 55, David is on track to receive $3,000 per month from his investments, with income growing in line with inflation. His regular savings plan and offshore investment solutions now provide him with the financial security he needs, with ongoing visibility through the Skybound Wealth App.
Quote from Client:
“I never imagined I’d be on track to retire at 55, but now I’m on track to do just that!”
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Case Study
UK to UAE – Streamlined SIPP Consolidation
Situation:
Mark, a 49-year-old British engineer, was relocating to the UAE and needed help managing his two old UK pensions. He was unsure about how to handle the pensions and whether they would be properly managed after his move.
Solution:
Skybound facilitated a streamlined SIPP consolidation, transferring his pensions into a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP). This consolidation provided greater flexibility and control over his retirement funds, especially when it came to currency management for his new life in the UAE.
Outcome:
The transfer allowed Mark to consolidate his pensions into a tax-efficient, flexible income plan, with no loss of benefits and better control over his investments.
Quote from Client:
“Skybound made the whole process simple and seamless, giving me the confidence that my pensions are in the right place and will work for me as I move forward.”
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Case Study
From Chaos to Clarity – A Freelancer’s Financial Reset
Situation:
Lucy, a British expat in Dubai, was self-employed with irregular income streams. Despite her efforts, she lacked a structured savings plan and often felt overwhelmed by her financial situation.
Solution:
Skybound worked with Lucy to create a tailored financial plan that stabilised her cash flow and brought consistency to her savings. We introduced automated savings through tax-efficient investment strategies like SIPP (Self-Invested Personal Pension) and offshore investment solutions, ensuring long-term growth even during income dips.
Lucy was also introduced to our Skybound Wealth App, which gave her clear, real-time visibility into her financial progress, helping her always stay on top of her plan.
Outcome:
In six months, Lucy built a rainy-day fund covering four months of expenses and continued contributing to her SIPP, even during income dips. With full control over her savings and investments, she now feels empowered by Skybound’s personalised approach and tech-driven solutions.
Quote from Client:
“For the first time, I feel confident I can invest monthly, and that my moneyis working for me.”
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Get In Touch
With over 20 years of experience helping expats in the UAE and around the world plan for retirement, our independent, internationally regulated advisers know how to turn pension savings into lasting financial freedom. By combining local insight with global expertise, we create tailored pension strategies that help you prepare confidently for life after work, wherever you choose to retire.
Talk To An Adviser
You can reach us directly by calling us between the hours of 8:30am and 5pm at each of our respective offices and we will immediately assist you.
Book Your Free Expat Pensions Consultation
Check Out Our Other Services
At Skybound Wealth, we understand that every expat’s financial journey is different. We take the time to understand your goals and create a plan that provides a solid foundation for your future. Whether you’re focused on building wealth, planning for retirement, funding education, or protecting your family, our advisers offer expert guidance across every area of financial planning to help you make the most of your life abroad.
We Understand Your Pension Motivations
Offering bespoke expat pension advice means we can tailor your pension plan to match your dream retirement
Should I transfer my UK pension while living overseas?
Transferring can offer tax advantages, currency flexibility, and broader investment choices, but it’s not necessarily right for everyone. We’ll assess fees, performance, and jurisdiction rules before recommending a path.
Will I pay tax on my pension income in the UAE or the UK?
The UAE currently has no tax on personal income, but certain pension withdrawals can still trigger UK tax depending on your residency and pension type. We’ll structure your plan to reduce this risk.
What happens if I move again or return home?
Many pensions have restrictions or penalties if you relocate. We’ll help you choose arrangements that stay portable and protect your savings wherever you go.
How do I protect my pension from inflation or currency swings?
We consider multi-currency holdings, inflation-linked investments, and asset diversification to keep your purchasing power strong over time.
Can my spouse or children inherit my pension?
Yes, in most cases, your pension can be passed on to your spouse or children, but the rules depend on the type of plan and where it’s held. For expats in the UAE, it’s important to structure your pension and estate plan carefully, as local inheritance laws differ from those in many home countries. We’ll help ensure your pension is set up to protect your family and pass on wealth efficiently.
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