MovinSouth

Where to even start?

Considering a move to Oz, not sure if it will be permanent or not.
Wife and I have currently good work pensions, contribute to a stakeholder pension and obviously eventually the state pension.
Who do we talk to about what to do with our pensions?
Do we just leave them and claim them when we retire?
Do we (can we) transfer them across?
Any advice greatly appreciated.

Fardell

Currently, you can only move your occupational/private pensions to Australia if aged 55 or over - due to restrictions on qualifying recognised overseas pension schemes (QROPS) - google the term. It is something you should look into once you have decided to remain in Australia permanently - and you should only transfer once you have PR or citizenship - otherwise there are significant potential tax issues. Seek advice from qualified financial planners or tax advisers in Oz, and don't simply rely on transfer companies, they sometimes forget about tax implications.

The state pension cant be transferred but you should seek advice about maximising with additional contributions, if possible.

Kiwipaul

Bear in mind that if you do make add contributions to your UK state pension when you start to draw it in Oz it is taxed and it is NOT index linked so if your initial pension is 500 pounds it stays at that figure for ever (unless you move back to UK).

spouse of scouse

Your state pension will continue to be paid if you move to Australia, but bear in mind that the amount will never increase, the rate is frozen at the time you leave the UK permanently.

Can I ask what visa you'll be using for the move?