Unlocking Your Former Pension After 50 in Ireland: Guide For Tech, Pharma, and Banking Professionals.
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A Trusted Guide for Former Tech, Pharma, and Banking Professionals
Are you over 50 and no longer employed in the technology, pharmaceutical, or banking sector in Ireland? If you’ve built a career with a strong private pension and have since moved on from your employer, you may now be eligible to access your preserved pension — in a fully regulated and tax-efficient way.
This article explains how experienced professionals like you can:
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Unlock up to 25% of your former pension tax-free
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Transfer the remaining balance to an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF)
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Do so with full compliance, independent advice, and Central Bank oversight.
Who We Are
www.UnlockPension.ie is operated by QMA Financial, trading as Q Financial.ie — a trusted Irish financial services firm regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
Our team specialises in helping professionals over 50 access dormant pensions with confidence. We are independent, meaning we are not tied to any pension provider. Our advice is always tailored, transparent, and in full alignment with Revenue rules and Central Bank regulations.
We do not use high-pressure tactics. We work only with individuals who qualify and are seeking clarity and control over their retirement income. Unlocking your former pension incurs no upfront costs, ensuring that you retain full control of your financial decisions without any additional financial burden.
Who Qualifies to Unlock a Pension in Ireland?
You may be eligible if you meet the following:
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You are aged 50 or older
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You are no longer employed by the company that set up the pension
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You have a former occupational or personal pension (often called a preserved or deferred pension)
If you qualify, you can typically draw down 25% of your pension tax-free, and move the rest into an ARF (Approved Retirement Fund) — allowing you to grow your retirement fund while retaining flexibility.
This is not a “loophole” or risky financial move. It is an established process under Irish pension law, but it must be handled by an authorised adviser — and only where appropriate.
Sector Spotlight: Tech, Pharma & Banking
We understand that each sector brings its own pension structure, benefits, and transition timing. That’s why we offer tailored guidance for professionals coming from each of these high-level industries.
🧠 Former Tech Professionals
If you’ve worked in Ireland’s tech sector — whether with a multinational, startup, or consultancy — chances are your pension is held in a defined contribution scheme or a personal retirement bond. You may have changed roles or exited the sector entirely.
We’ll help you assess whether your existing pension can now be partially released, and how to reinvest into an ARF aligned with your appetite for risk and long-term goals.
💊 Former Pharma & Life Sciences Professionals
Ireland’s pharmaceutical and life sciences professionals often accumulate sizable pensions, especially through global employers. If you’ve stepped away from your role and are aged 50 or above, we can review your options for early pension drawdown — all while preserving your long-term financial health.
You’ve worked hard to build this pension — we’ll ensure you unlock it safely, and retain control over its future.
💼 Former Banking & Financial Sector Professionals
If you’ve worked with institutions like Danske Bank, Ulster Bank, PTSB, or in financial services firms, your pension is likely held in a structured employer scheme. Once you exit, and if over 50, you may be eligible to unlock your benefits early.
We’ll help you understand your Revenue entitlements, and map a safe course toward unlocking your funds and managing your ARF.
Why Use UnlockPension.ie?
✔️ Regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland
✔️ Experience with six-figure+ preserved pensions
✔️ Tailored advice for professionals over 50
✔️ No cold calls. No sales tactics.
✔️ Fully independent and Revenue-compliant
We know this is a serious decision. That’s why our approach is direct, respectful, and based on expertise — not hype.
Let’s Talk — In Confidence
Call us at Galway Office: +353 91 421 900
If you’re ready to explore your options, or just want to know if you qualify, you can speak to one of our senior advisers in full confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can I unlock my pension at age 50 in Ireland?
Yes — if you’re over 50 and no longer employed by the company that set up the pension, you may be eligible to unlock a preserved occupational or personal pension. This allows you to access 25% tax-free and transfer the rest into an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF).
❓ Is unlocking my pension legal and safe?
Yes — when done through a regulated financial adviser following Revenue rules. UnlockPension.ie is operated by QMA Financial t/a Q Financial.ie, a Central Bank of Ireland-regulated firm. We ensure all advice and transactions are compliant and transparent.
❓ Will unlocking my pension affect my state pension?
No — unlocking a former occupational or private pension has no impact on your entitlement to the Irish State Pension. They are completely separate schemes.
❓ What is an ARF?
An Approved Retirement Fund (ARF) is a post-retirement investment vehicle that allows you to keep your pension fund growing while retaining control over withdrawals, risk levels, and investment choices. It’s the alternative to purchasing an annuity.
❓ How long does the unlocking process take?
Once eligibility is confirmed and documents are submitted, the process typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on your pension provider and fund structure. We manage all correspondence on your behalf.
❓ What if I have multiple pensions from different employers?
We can help you review and consolidate multiple preserved pensions where appropriate. Each one will be assessed individually for unlocking potential and ARF suitability.
