05/29/2026
It’s one of the most common questions from people with careers split between the UK and the US - and under current rules, a direct transfer is generally not permitted.
US retirement plans typically accept rollovers only from other US-qualified plans. A UK pension - whether a SIPP, workplace scheme, or defined benefit arrangement - does not generally meet that definition.
It typically cannot be rolled into a 401(k), a Traditional IRA, a Roth IRA, a SEP IRA, or a SIMPLE IRA.
On the UK side, HMRC generally restricts transfers unless the receiving arrangement qualifies as a QROPS - and US retirement accounts are not QROPS.
The practical result is often two separate pension structures that don’t consolidate, each following its own rules, each needing to be considered in the context of the other. UK pension rules should be discussed with a UK-regulated adviser.
Benjamin Hadley, Private Wealth Partner at Skybound Wealth USA, discusses how UK pensions and US retirement accounts interact - what’s generally possible, what isn’t, and how to approach retirement income planning across both systems.
https://www.skyboundwealthusa.com/news-and-insights/can-you-transfer-a-uk-pension-to-a-u-s-401-k
To talk through a UK-US pension situation with Ben:
https://www.skyboundwealthusa.com/meet-the-team/benjamin-hadley
Important disclosure:
This material is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, or legal advice. UK pension rules should be discussed with a UK-regulated adviser. Skybound Wealth USA provides advice in its capacity as a US-registered investment adviser. Individual circumstances vary and readers should consult qualified advisers before making decisions.
