Can I get the UK state pension with ILR?

Yes. ILR holders are eligible for the UK state pension on the same basis as British citizens. You need a minimum of 10 qualifying years of NI contributions to receive any state pension, and 35 years for the full amount.

How many NI years do I need for a full state pension?

You need 35 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions for the full new state pension. With 10 qualifying years, you receive a partial pension. Each qualifying year adds to your pension entitlement proportionally.

Can I receive the state pension if I move abroad?

Yes. You can receive the UK state pension while living abroad. However, the annual increases (triple lock) only apply if you live in the UK, the European Economic Area, Switzerland, or a country with a relevant social security agreement. In other countries, your pension is frozen at the rate when you left.

Can I combine pension contributions from my home country?

The UK has social security agreements with many countries that allow you to combine contribution periods. These agreements mean that NI years in the UK and contributions in your home country can be aggregated to help you meet minimum qualifying thresholds.

ILR and the UK State Pension: What You Need to Know

ILR holders qualify for the UK state pension on the same terms as British citizens. You need 10 qualifying years of NI contributions for any pension and 35 years for the full amount. If you came to the UK 5 years before ILR, you have at least 5 qualifying years. Voluntary contributions can fill gaps. International social security agreements may let you combine UK and overseas contributions.

How the UK State Pension Works

The UK new state pension is based on your National Insurance contribution record. For the 2025/26 tax year, the full new state pension is approximately £221 per week. The amount you receive depends on how many qualifying years you have:

35 qualifying years: Full state pension.
10-34 qualifying years: Partial pension, proportional to years contributed.
Under 10 qualifying years: No state pension entitlement.

Check your current NI record and projected pension on the GOV.UK state pension checker.

Building Your NI Record After ILR

If you came to the UK on a 5-year route (Skilled Worker or spouse visa) before receiving ILR, you already have at least 5 qualifying years. To maximise your pension:

Continue working: Employment in the UK automatically generates NI contributions through PAYE.
Self-employment: Self-employed people pay Class 2 and Class 4 NI contributions.
NI credits: You may receive NI credits during periods of unemployment, illness, or caring responsibilities.
Voluntary contributions: If you have gaps, consider making voluntary NI contributions to fill them.

International Social Security Agreements

The UK has social security agreements with many countries, including most EU/EEA countries and several others. These agreements can help you in two ways:

Aggregation: Combining contribution periods from the UK and your home country to meet minimum qualifying thresholds.
Pension export: Receiving your UK state pension in your home country with annual increases (in countries with agreements).

Check whether your home country has an agreement with the UK on the GOV.UK international NI page.

State Pension Age

The UK state pension age is currently 66 and is scheduled to increase to 67 between 2026 and 2028. Further increases may follow. Check your personal state pension age on GOV.UK.

If you plan to retire in the UK, the state pension will form part of your retirement income alongside any workplace pension and private savings. If you plan to retire abroad, see the section on pension exports below.

Receiving Your Pension Abroad

If you retire abroad, your UK state pension is still payable, but whether it increases each year depends on where you live:

Increases apply: UK, EEA, Switzerland, and countries with a relevant social security agreement.
Pension frozen: In all other countries, your pension stays at the rate it was when you moved abroad or when it was first paid.

This is particularly important for nationals of countries like India, Nigeria, and Pakistan who may consider returning home in retirement. India, Nigeria, and Pakistan do not have social security agreements with the UK that cover pension uprating.

Workplace Pensions

In addition to the state pension, most UK employers are required to enrol you in a workplace pension. As an ILR holder, you have the same workplace pension rights as any other employee. Employer contributions to your workplace pension are a valuable part of your retirement planning.

For a broader overview of your rights after ILR, see our ILR rights and benefits guide.