A UK pension transfer to India (a QROPS transfer) requires four application forms. The member form, the transfer-out form, HMRC form APSS263 and the receiving scheme administrator form. Along with these four forms, you need four supporting documents: the IRDAI certificate for the QROPS compliant Indian pension plan, the HMRC QROPS certificate for that plan, the plan brochure and the client’s KYC documents.
Every UK pension transfer to India runs on the same four forms.
1. Member form
This is your own application. It confirms your personal details, your UK pension policy or membership number, and your instruction to transfer. Each UK pension provider has its own version of this form.
2. Transfer-out form
This is the ceding UK scheme’s release form. By signing it you authorise your UK provider to pay the funds out and confirm that you understand you are giving up your rights under the UK scheme.
3. HMRC form APSS263
APSS263 is HMRC’s member information form for overseas transfers. It gives your UK scheme administrator the details HMRC requires before funds can leave the UK including the receiving scheme’s name, country and QROPS reference number and your country of residence.
**Important:** this form must reach your UK scheme administrator within 60 days of your transfer request. It goes to your UK pension provider, not to HMRC directly.
4. Receiving scheme administrator form
This is the application form for the Indian QROPS plan that will receive the money. It sets up the plan in your name and covers your fund choice, nomination, bank account details and residency declarations.
The supporting documents required
The four forms alone are not enough. Your UK provider also needs proof that the receiving plan in India is genuine and properly regulated. Four documents provide that proof.
IRDAI certificate for the plan
The Indian pension plan receiving the transfer must be approved by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India. The IRDAI approval certificate shows the plan is a regulated pension product in India which is one of the conditions a QROPS must meet.
HMRC QROPS certificate for the Indian plan
Confirmation that the receiving plan holds QROPS status with HMRC, including its QROPS reference number. The scheme also appears on HMRC’s recognised overseas pension schemes notification list, published on the 1st and 15th of each month. This should be checked again just before the transfer is executed, as schemes can be added or removed.
Brochure of the plan
UK providers ask for the receiving plan’s brochure and key features document. They are checking that the plan is a real retirement arrangement with benefits payable at retirement, not an investment product.
Client KYC documents
Typically:
– Passport copy
– National Insurance number
– PAN card
– Aadhaar or Indian address proof
– Bank account proof
Some UK providers require certified or notarised copies. It is worth confirming their certification standard before getting documents attested.
