| Your situation | Routes to explore | First question |
|---|---|---|
| PAYE employee | Occupational scheme, Master Trust, PRSA, AVC or MyFutureFund where eligible | Check employer contributions, matching and existing benefits. |
| Company director | Employer-funded PRSA or occupational arrangement | Separate personal tax relief from company funding rules. |
| Self-employed / sole trader | PRSA or Retirement Annuity Contract | Compare flexibility and total costs against variable earnings. |
| Public-sector employee | Main scheme plus AVC / PRSA AVC where appropriate | Use your service history and scheme rules. |
| Changing jobs | Preserved benefits or transfer options | Check guarantees, exit costs and protected benefits first. |
| Approaching retirement | Lump sum, ARF and annuity options where available | Plan income, risk, tax and dependent benefits together. |
Start with the pension you already have
Ask your employer for scheme information and details of any employer contribution. The available arrangement may include benefits that are not obvious from the fund value alone. Compare those benefits before opening or moving a pension.
Last reviewed: 21 September 2026. Rules depend on your circumstances.
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