Do Immigrants Get the State Pension in the UK? Eligibility Explained

Wondering if immigrants can claim the UK State Pension? Learn who qualifies, how National Insurance affects eligibility and what rules apply to foreign nationals.

The UK State Pension provides financial support to people who have reached State Pension age and have made enough National Insurance (NI) contributions. But what if you moved to the UK later in life? Do immigrants qualify for a State Pension, and how does the system work for foreign nationals?

The answer depends on:                  

  • Your residency status in the UK.

  • How many years of National Insurance contributions you have.

  • Whether you have lived or worked in a country with a pension agreement with the UK.

This guide explains who qualifies for a UK State Pension, how immigrants can claim it, and what to do if you have gaps in your National Insurance record.

Immigrants can qualify for the UK State Pension, but they must meet the same eligibility rules as UK-born citizens.

To receive a State Pension in the UK, you must:

  1. Have paid or been credited with at least 10 years of National Insurance (NI) contributions.

  2. Reach the State Pension age (currently 66, rising to 67 by 2028 and 68 in the future).

  3. Be legally residing in the UK when you claim (unless covered by a pension agreement with another country).

If you have less than 10 years of National Insurance contributions, you will not receive any UK State Pension.

How Do National Insurance Contributions Affect Pension Eligibility?

The amount of State Pension you receive depends on how many years of National Insurance contributions you have.

  • 10 years of NI contributions → You qualify for some State Pension.

  • 35 years of NI contributions → You receive the full new State Pension (£221.20 per week in 2024/25).

If you moved to the UK later in life, you may not have enough contributions to get the full amount. However, you may still be able to:

  • Use NI contributions from other countries (if the UK has a pension agreement with your home country).

  • Pay voluntary NI contributions to fill in gaps.

What If You Paid Pensions in Another Country?

If you worked in another country, you may be able to combine your foreign pension contributions with your UK record.

Countries with UK Pension Agreements

The UK has social security agreements with several countries, including:

  • EU countries and Switzerland (under post-Brexit rules).

  • Countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and Turkey.

If you have worked in one of these countries, your foreign pension contributions may count towards your UK State Pension eligibility.

Check the list of countries with a UK pension agreement by visiting GOV.UK – International Pension Agreements

Can You Pay Voluntary NI Contributions to Increase Your Pension?

If you moved to the UK later in life and don’t have enough NI years, you may be able to pay voluntary contributions to boost your pension entitlement.

  • You can usually pay for missing years going back up to 6 years.

  • If you lived abroad, you may be eligible for Class 2 or Class 3 voluntary NI contributions.

  • Paying voluntary NI can help you reach the 10-year minimum needed to qualify.

What If You Retire Outside the UK?

If you leave the UK after working here, you can still claim your State Pension from abroad, but there are important rules:

  • You must have at least 10 years of NI contributions.

  • The amount you receive depends on whether your country has a pension agreement with the UK.

  • If you retire in a country with no UK pension agreement, your pension will not increase with inflation.

How to Check If You Qualify

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, follow these steps:

1. Check Your National Insurance Record

  • Visit Check Your NI Record to see how many qualifying years you have.

  • If you have less than 10 years, consider paying voluntary contributions.

2. Get a State Pension Forecast

  • Use the State Pension Forecast tool to see how much you will receive.

3. Contact the International Pension Centre

  • If you’ve worked in another country, contact the International Pension Centre to check if your foreign contributions can count towards your UK pension.

Common Questions About Immigrants and the UK State Pension

1. Can I Get the UK State Pension If I’ve Never Worked in the UK?

  • No, you need at least 10 years of National Insurance contributions to qualify.

  • However, if you have worked in another country with a UK pension agreement, those contributions may count.

2. What Happens If I Don’t Have 10 Years of NI Contributions?

  • You won’t qualify for the UK State Pension unless you combine foreign contributions or pay voluntary contributions.

  • You may be eligible for Pension Credit if you have low income.

3. Can I Get a UK State Pension If I Move Abroad?

  • Yes, you can receive your State Pension overseas, but it may not increase with inflation unless you live in a country with a pension agreement.

4. Do Immigrants Get More Benefits Than UK Citizens?

  • No, immigrants must meet the same eligibility rules as UK citizens.

  • You cannot claim a UK State Pension unless you have at least 10 years of NI contributions.

Final Thoughts: Do Immigrants Get the UK State Pension?

Immigrants can qualify for the UK State Pension, but they must:

  • Have at least 10 years of National Insurance contributions.

  • Reach the State Pension age.

  • Be living in the UK or a country with a UK pension agreement.

If you moved to the UK later in life and don’t have enough NI contributions, you may:

  • Use contributions from another country to qualify.

  • Pay voluntary NI contributions to increase your pension.