Pensions · Zurich
Zurich Pensions in Ireland
A pension is the most tax-efficient way to save for retirement in Ireland — you get tax relief going in, tax-free growth along the way, and a tax-free lump sum at the end. Zurich is one of Ireland’s leading pension providers, and as whole-of-market advisers we compare Zurich against the whole market to build the right plan for you.
Last reviewed by Debbie Cheevers, QFA, RPA · 30 June 2026
Why a pension is so tax-efficient
The Government wants you to save for retirement, so a pension comes with three valuable tax breaks you won’t find anywhere else. Together they can turn a modest monthly contribution into a substantial retirement fund.
- For a 40% taxpayer, €100 in your pension can cost as little as €60 after relief.
- Your fund grows free of income tax, DIRT, exit tax and CGT.
- The earlier you start, the more that tax-free growth compounds.
How much can you put in — and claim relief on?
You can get income tax relief on pension contributions up to an age-related percentage of your earnings. The older you are, the more you can put in — which makes catching up later still worthwhile.
| Your age | Max % of earnings you can claim relief on |
|---|---|
| Under 30 | 15% |
| 30–39 | 20% |
| 40–49 | 25% |
| 50–54 | 30% |
| 55–59 | 35% |
| 60 and over | 40% |
Types of pension we can arrange
Personal pension
For the self-employed or anyone without a workplace scheme — you contribute and claim the relief yourself.
PRSA
A flexible, portable Personal Retirement Savings Account you can take from job to job.
Company pension
An occupational scheme where your employer can also contribute on your behalf.
Executive pension
A powerful option for company directors — the company funds it and gets the tax deduction. See business owner pensions.
How your pension works
- 1
Choose your plan
We recommend the right Zurich plan and fund for your age, goals and attitude to risk.
- 2
Contribute with relief
You pay in monthly or as a lump sum and claim tax relief at your marginal rate.
- 3
Grow tax-free
Your fund is invested and grows free of tax, compounding over the years.
- 4
Draw it at retirement
Take a tax-free lump sum, then an ARF or annuity for your retirement income.
Your options at retirement
Tax-free lump sum
Take 25% of your fund as a lump sum — tax-free up to €200,000, with the next €300,000 taxed at 20%.
ARF (drawdown)
Keep your fund invested in an Approved Retirement Fund and draw an income, with flexibility and investment risk.
Annuity (guaranteed)
Swap your fund for a guaranteed income for life, with no investment risk to worry about.
Why starting now matters
Because your fund grows tax-free and compounds, the single biggest factor in your retirement pot is how early you start. Even a small monthly contribution in your 20s or 30s can outgrow much larger contributions started later. If you already have older pensions, we can review them too — see our pension advice and self-employed pension guides.
- Start early to make the most of tax-free compounding.
- Increase contributions as your income rises and your age band allows more relief.
- Review old pensions for high charges or poor fund choice before you retire.
We work with Ireland’s leading life & pension companies
Frequently asked questions
How does pension tax relief work in Ireland?
You get income tax relief at your marginal rate — up to 40% — on the money you put into a pension, within age-related limits and on earnings of up to €115,000 a year. For a 40% taxpayer, €100 in a pension can cost as little as €60.
How much can I contribute to a pension?
The amount you can claim relief on rises with age: 15% of earnings under 30, up to 40% at 60 and over, based on earnings up to €115,000. Employer contributions to a company or executive pension are generally on top of these limits.
What types of pension can I have?
Depending on your situation: a personal pension, a PRSA, a company (occupational) pension, or an executive pension if you’re a company director. We advise which is right for you and set it up.
Can I take a tax-free lump sum at retirement?
Yes. You can usually take 25% of your fund as a lump sum, tax-free up to €200,000 across all your pensions. The next €300,000 is taxed at 20%, and anything above that at your marginal rate.
What’s the difference between an ARF and an annuity?
An ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) keeps your money invested and lets you draw an income with flexibility, but with investment risk. An annuity swaps your fund for a guaranteed income for life.
When can I access my pension?
Usually from age 60 for a personal pension or PRSA, and often from 50 in certain occupational schemes or on leaving employment. We’ll confirm the rules for your specific plan.
Is there a limit on my total pension fund?
Yes — the Standard Fund Threshold. It’s €2.2 million in 2026 and rising to €2.8 million by 2029. Funds above the threshold face a high tax charge, so it’s worth planning around.
Should I move an old pension to Zurich?
Maybe — it depends on the charges, fund choice and any valuable benefits in your existing plan. We review your current pensions carefully before recommending any transfer.
Start or review your pension today
Talk to a qualified Greenway adviser for free. We’ll compare Zurich against the whole market, maximise your tax relief and build a retirement plan that works for you.