Understanding pensions
Table: Irish Pension Options Overview
| Pension Type | Who Qualifies? | Contributions | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Contributory Pension | 66+, enough PRSI history | PRSI paid | €289/week max, secure government income |
| State Non-Contributory | 66+, means tested | None | Social welfare, lower/more variable |
| Occupational Pension | Employees (scheme-based) | Employer/employee | DB/DC structure, employer participation |
| Personal Pension | Self-employed/others | Individual | Flexible, investment choice, tax relief |
| PRSA | Any worker/employer | Individual/employer | Portable, flexible, regulated |
| ARF / Annuity | Retirees with pension savings | Pension fund | Income drawdown/guaranteed income |
| Auto-Enrolment (“My Future Fund”) | Employees 23-60, >€20k/year | Employee/employer/State | Statutory, matched, phased contributions |
Additional Pension Features
- Executive Pensions: Designed for company owners/directors, with tailored benefits.
- Aditional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs): Extra contributions added to occupational schemes to boost retirement income.
- Long-Term Carers Scheme: Allows long-term carers (20+ years) to qualify for the State Contributory Pension even without sufficient work history.
Occupational pensions
Understand the different types of occupational pension schemes in Ireland, how they work, and the pros and cons.
Occupational pensions
Understand the different types of occupational pension schemes in Ireland, how they work, and the pros and cons.
Personal retirement savings accounts (PRSAs)
PRSAs, long-term savings accounts designed to help people save for retirement, were introduced in Ireland in 2002. Learn more.
Pension annuities
A pension annuity can provide a steady stream of income after you’ve retired. Read our comprehensive guide to find out more.
Pension contribution limits
Learn more about pension contribution limits in Ireland.
Pension calculators
Pension calculators can help you estimate your retirement income.
Approved Retirement Fund (ARF)
Approved Retirement Funds (ARFs) keep your pension savings invested after you've retired. Find out more.
State pensions in Ireland
Find out more about the two types of state pension in Ireland: contributory and non-contributory.
Additional voluntary contribution (AVC) pensions explained
Additional voluntary contributions can be a tax-efficient way to boost your retirement fund.
Can I cash in my pension early in Ireland?
A guide to how early pension withdrawal in Ireland works.