Start with the current list
QROPS means Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme. The GOV.UK list records schemes that have notified HMRC. The GOV.UK ROPS notification list published 15 September 2026 includes Indian schemes (checked 26 September 2026).
List inclusion is not HMRC approval
HMRC PTM112400 states that publication is not approval or verification, is not a recommendation, does not establish suitability and does not guarantee tax-free treatment. A live-list match is only one check among many.
Transfer charges
The 25% Overseas Transfer Charge may apply unless a statutory exemption is met. An unauthorised payment is generally charged at 40%, with a further 15% surcharge only where statutory conditions apply. Neither list status nor professional assistance guarantees avoidance.
Benefit type and advice
State Pension and many unfunded public-sector benefits cannot be transferred. Defined-benefit and other safeguarded benefits require careful comparison; where safeguarded benefits exceed £30,000, advice from an appropriately regulated adviser is mandatory.
Tax, currency and investments
Do not assume INR payment, sterling retention, improved returns, tax-free withdrawals or automatic treaty relief. These depend on the actual scheme terms, residence, payment type and UK and Indian law.
Inheritance tax from 6 April 2027
Most unused pension funds will enter the UK IHT estate calculation for deaths on or after 6 April 2027. Exemptions, bands, the whole estate and long-term UK residence affect the result. A QROPS or non-UK pension is not an automatic IHT escape.
Decision sequence
- Confirm the ceding benefit type and safeguarded benefits.
- Verify the exact receiving scheme on the live GOV.UK list immediately before action.
- Review all fees, guarantees, currencies, investments and benefit rules in writing.
- Obtain regulated pension and tax advice where required.
