If you’ve worked in several countries, you may have more pensions than you realise — and they don’t necessarily work together automatically.
1. You may have more pensions than you realise
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State/social-security pensions
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Workplace/occupational pensions
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Private pensions
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National retirement schemes such as Singapore CPF
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Other retirement assets
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2. Start with your international work history
For every country you’ve lived or worked in, the question is:
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Did I work there?
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How long?
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Did I pay social-security contributions?
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Did I join an employer pension?
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Do I have a private pension?
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Do I have any other retirement entitlement?
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3. Don’t assume one country knows about another;
Pension systems are generally separate. Joining them at a later point? Think carefully about this.
Working in several countries doesn’t necessarily create one combined pension account.
4. Ask yourself these important questions about every pension!
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When can I start receiving it?
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Can I receive it if I live abroad?
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What currency will I receive?
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Does it increase with inflation?
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Where will it be taxed?
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Is there a survivor/partner benefit?
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Are there conditions or restrictions?
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5. Create your Pension Map
A simple table such as this:
| Country | Pension | Type | Years | Start age | Expected income | Paid abroad? | Tax? |
| Germany | State pension | State | 10 | 67 | €303/month | ? | ? |
| UK | State Pension | State | 30+ | 67 | £240/week | ? | ? |
| US | Pension | State | 10+ | 66 | $105/week | ? | ? |
