How to claim UK State Pension in Poland
📚 In this series
This collection of articles explores everything British expats and returning Poles need to know about UK pensions and retirement in Poland. From claiming your UK State Pension abroad to understanding tax rules, SIPPs, and double taxation treaties, the series provides clear, practical guidance to help you make confident financial decisions.
How to Claim Your UK State Pension in Poland (via ZUS)
If you have been paying Polish social security (ZUS), you should claim your UK State Pension through ZUS in Poland.
Step-by-step
Step 1 – Submit form ZUS Rp‑1E — Wniosek o emeryturę (Application for retirement) — at your local ZUS office.
Include all employment periods in both Poland and the UK.
Step 2 – Provide UK employment and tax evidence.
Ideally, supply your P45 (issued by employer) and P60 (end-of-year tax statement).
If you do not have these, list former UK employer names and addresses, employment dates, and your UK National Insurance (NI) number.
Step 3 – Claim your Polish State Pension.
Complete form E207 — Informacja dotycząca przebiegu ubezpieczenia and attach Polish employment proof (e.g., Świadectwo Pracy / Work Certificate and form Rp‑7 from your employer).
Important to know
- ZUS forwards the UK part to the relevant authority, but two separate decisions are made: one for Poland and one for the UK.
- Payments are made as two separate transfers (Polish pension and UK State Pension).
If you did not pay ZUS in Poland
Claim directly through the UK’s International Pension Centre (IPC):
- Phone (UK): +44 191 218 7777
- Online enquiry form: Start your IPC enquiry
❓ UK State Pension — Living in Poland: FAQs
Can I claim the UK State Pension while living in Poland?
Yes. The UK State Pension is payable worldwide if you’re eligible. You can claim from abroad and choose to have it paid into a UK or overseas bank account.
Will my UK State Pension increase each year if I live in Poland?
Yes. Poland is in the EEA, so your UK State Pension is normally uprated annually in line with UK rules.
How do I claim my UK State Pension from Poland?
Start your claim about 4 months before you reach State Pension age. If you live in Poland, you can claim via Poland’s ZUS (who will liaise with the UK) or apply directly through the UK’s International Pension Centre using the overseas claim forms.
How many UK National Insurance years do I need — and can Polish/EU years count?
You usually need at least 10 qualifying UK NI years to get any new State Pension (and 35 for the full rate). If you’ve lived or worked in the EEA/Switzerland, certain periods may be taken into account when assessing eligibility under coordination rules.
Am I taxed in the UK or Poland on my UK State Pension?
Under the UK–Poland double tax treaty, your State Pension is generally taxable in the country where you’re tax resident (usually Poland if you live there). Government service pensions may be different. Take advice on your specific situation.
Make your move stress‑free with our free Retiring in Poland Checklist. Clear steps, no fluff – just what you need to plan with confidence.
Ross is a qualified Chartered Financial Planner and Pension Transfer Specialist.
He has been a cross-border financial adviser for 25 years and specialises in helping British expats manage their finances with clarity and peace of mind.
If you would like to have a no strings chat with him, please get in touch.
