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Nest · UK pension transfer guide
Nest pension transfer guide for NRIs considering an overseas transfer.
This independent guide explains common transfer-out questions for a UK pension currently held by Nest. Nest would be the ceding provider, not the overseas receiving scheme. A transfer is possible only if the member, benefits and receiving scheme meet the rules in force.
No affiliation with or endorsement by Nest is claimed · Nest is not presented as a QROPS
Your Nest Pension
What kind of Nest pension are you likely holding?
Nest was set up specifically to make auto-enrolment work for every UK employer, however small — which shapes the kind of pension pot most members hold.
Almost every Nest member holds a defined contribution auto-enrolment pot, built up through minimum contributions from you and your employer under UK auto-enrolment law. Because Nest was designed to accept smaller and simpler employers that other providers weren't set up for, pots are often relatively modest in size compared to those held with legacy insurers, and members frequently have several separate small pots from different jobs rather than one consolidated pension.
Before looking at a transfer, it's worth checking whether consolidating multiple UK pots (Nest and otherwise) into one before moving to a QROPS makes more sense than transferring each separately — something we can advise on as part of your assessment.
Transfer Considerations
What matters most when moving a Nest pension
Nest has historically applied specific restrictions on transferring out, separate from the general HMRC rules that apply to every UK pension transfer.
Nest's own transfer-out rules
Nest historically restricted transfers out while a member was still actively contributing, and while those rules have eased over time, conditions can still apply — this is genuinely worth checking with a specialist before assuming a transfer is straightforward.
GOV.UK ROPS notification-list check
Any proposed receiving scheme requires a live GOV.UK ROPS notification-list check, but inclusion is not approval and does not guarantee charge avoidance. An unauthorised payment is generally charged at 40%, with a further 15% surcharge only where statutory conditions apply.
Provider document requirements
Discharge forms, identity evidence and provider declarations should be prepared against the provider’s current instructions; the provider decides whether a submission is complete.
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Related pages & other providers
The transfer process
A step-by-step look at how your money moves. See the process →
Talk to us
Start your Nest QROPS assessment today. Contact us →
Other providers
Also handling transfers from The People's Pension, Aegon and more. All providers →
Start with a Free Assessment
Ten minutes is all it takes to know where your Nest pension stands.
Tell us about your Nest pot and where you're settling. We can outline the questions to take to your providers and regulated advisers; costs, eligibility and timing depend on your individual case.
Compare the suitability of any transfer with keeping your current pension, including guarantees, charges and access to benefits. Read the advice requirements.