State Pension and National Insurance

You can keep building your UK State Pension while you live abroad, by paying voluntary National Insurance. The rules changed in April 2026.

Last checked 29 Sep 2026·Information, not advice

In 30 seconds

You need 35 qualifying years for the full State Pension, and at least 10 for any
From 6 April 2026, people abroad can only pay the more expensive Class 3 contributions, about £957 a year
The State Pension is paid in the UAE, but it is frozen: it won’t go up each year

Full State Pension£241.30A week, 2026/27

Full rate needs35 yearsOf National Insurance

Class 3 cost£18.40A week (about £957 a year)

Changed on 6 April 2026. You can no longer pay the cheaper Class 2 contributions for time abroad. Class 3 now needs 10 years of UK residence or contributions, up from 3. If you applied for 2024/25 or 2025/26 before 5 April 2026, the old rules may still apply.

Is it worth paying?

Check your National Insurance record and State Pension forecast on GOV.UK
See how many qualifying years you have, and how many you need
Each extra year adds to your weekly pension. Compare that with the £957 cost
Remember that the pension won’t rise while you live in the UAE

The frozen pension

The UK only increases State Pensions each year for people living in certain countries. The UAE isn’t one of them. You get the rate you start with, or the rate when you moved, for as long as you live there. If you return to the UK, it goes up to the current rate.

Workplace and private pensions

You keep your UK pensions. You can’t usually get UK tax relief on new contributions after you leave, although it can continue for up to 5 years in limited cases. UAE employers pay an end-of-service gratuity instead of pension contributions. Your rights at work.

What to do next

Get your State Pension forecast on GOV.UK
Decide whether to pay Class 3 voluntary contributions
Tell your pension providers your new address

Sources

Last checked 29 Sep 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the official source before you act. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@theglobalocal.com.