Check the recognised overseas pension schemes notification list:
The following schemes in the QROPS List India April 2021 have conveyed to HMRC that they meet the conditions to be a recognised overseas pension scheme (ROPS).
QROPS List India April 2021
Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Secure Bhavishya Plan | India |
Exide Life Golden Years Retirement Plan | India |
Exide Life My Retirement Plan | India |
Exide Life New Immediate Annuity | India |
Exide Life New Immediate Annuity with Return of Purchase Price | India |
Excide Life New Immediate Annuity | India |
Exide Life Smart Pension Plan | India |
HDFC Life Assured Pension Plan | India |
HDFC Life Pension Guarateed Plan | India |
HDFC Life New Immediate Annuity Plan | India |
HDFC Life Pension Guaranteed Plan | India |
ICICI Pru Easy Retirement | India |
ICICI Pru Easy Retirement SP | India |
ICICI Pru Immediate Annuity | India |
Kotak Lifetime Income Plan | India |
SBI Life – Annuity Plus | India |
Indians who have lived and worked in the UK and are now planning to move back to India should consider transferring their pensions through QROPS-approved schemes for several key reasons. First, transferring a UK pension to India through QROPS allows them to avoid UK income tax on pension withdrawals, which can be as high as 45%. Additionally, QROPS offers protection from UK inheritance tax, ensuring that their pension savings go directly to their beneficiaries.
Another major benefit is currency stability. Keeping a pension in GBP while living in India exposes retirees to exchange rate fluctuations. By transferring their pension, they can receive payouts in INR, making financial planning more predictable.
Furthermore, investment flexibility is greater with QROPS, allowing pensioners to choose from a range of fixed-income and equity-linked investment options in India. With the Indian economy growing rapidly, transferring a UK pension through QROPS provides tax efficiency, better returns, and most importantly, long-term financial security.