The minimum age for withdrawing funds from a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS) is governed by UK rules set by HMRC and aligns with the UK’s Normal Minimum Pension Age (NMPA). Here’s a summary of the current status and upcoming changes as of November 29, 2025:
Current Withdrawal Age
The current withdrawal age is 55. You can access your QROPS benefits (e.g., lump sums or income) from age 55, provided you meet other eligibility criteria, such as being a non-UK resident or complying with the QROPS scheme rules.
Withdrawals before age 55 are treated as “unauthorised payments” and incur a 55% unauthorised payment charge (plus potential scheme sanctions of up to 40%), effectively disqualifying early access.
This age applies uniformly to QROPS transfers, regardless of the host country’s rules, to ensure compliance with UK pension freedoms.
Upcoming Change
Effective April 6, 2028, the NMPA will rise from 55 to 57. This will automatically apply to QROPS, meaning new withdrawals or benefit crystallisation will require reaching age 57.
If you are already entitled to access your pension at age 55 before April 6, 2028 (e.g., due to a protected pension age in your specific scheme), you may retain that right. This protection is scheme-specific and should be confirmed with your QROPS provider.
Implications for QROPS Holders
If you will turn age 55 before April 2028 consider initiating a withdrawal to lock in the lower age. Delaying could mean waiting until 57.
The UK’s Autumn Budget 2024 (October 30, 2024) introduced reforms like the removal of the Overseas Transfer Charge exemption for EEA/Gibraltar QROPS and stricter EEA scheme regulations from April 6, 2025, but these do not affect withdrawal ages.
If you are over the age of 55 and transfer your pension to a QROPS scheme you can withdraw 30% upfront without incurring any QROPS scheme early withdrawal fees.
You should note that you originally tagged these savings to provide income in your retirement. We recommend that you continue to tag these funds for your retirement and reinvest these into a non-QROPS portfolio.