living abroad

[DE-ANNE]

what do you do about your national insurance if you are of working age when you move to spain in order to get your state pension when you retire...?
i am thinking of moving there but dont know how complicated all the legalities are... any ideas >>>?????

[Buenchico]

If you've already got enough 'qualifying years' on your contributions record, you won't need to do anything about your National Insurance. Otherwise (in order to obtain the full UK pension) you can make arrangements to pay voluntary contributions. See here:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefit s/PensionsAndRetirement/FinancialPlanningForRe tirement/DG_10021384

See also here:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/BritonsLivingAbroa d/Moneyabroad/DG_4000013

Chris

[tara20]

If you spend any length of time abroad, there are usually reciprocal agreements between EU countries. It's best to find out beforehand how it will affect you. Important is to keep a full record of where (country and employer) and when (time of employment) and to whom you paid contributions (insurance numbers!). The country to which you eventually apply can therefore gather the necessary information.

I live in Austria, worked in UK, Germany and Austria (where I have applied.) A fully detailed record was required, but the German and British insurance details were then sent to the Austrian authorities. These contributions were then recognised and included.

I assume it works the other way round, too.