Planning your financial future as an expat brings unique challenges and unique opportunities. Whether you’re approaching retirement or looking to grow and protect your wealth, annuities can offer guaranteed income, predictable growth, and peace of mind in uncertain markets.

At Harrison Brook, we help expats across the globe access a range of international annuity solutions tailored to their needs, wherever they live.

Introduction to Expat Annuity Solutions

Retirement planning as an expat comes with its own set of challenges, from navigating fluctuating exchange rates to understanding how income tax will affect your pension money. For UK residents living abroad, securing a stable income in retirement is a top priority. Expat annuity solutions are designed to provide guaranteed outcomes, offering peace of mind and financial security no matter where you choose to live. By exploring different annuity options, expats can make informed decisions about their pension plans, ensuring they maximize their retirement income and minimize tax liabilities

Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs)

Secure your savings with guaranteed returns.

Multi-Year Guaranteed Annuities (MYGAs) are fixed-term contracts that provide a guaranteed rate of return over a period of 3 to 10 years. They offer an attractive alternative to traditional fixed-income products or bank deposits, particularly for risk-averse investors.

Key features:

• Guaranteed growth with zero market exposure
• Terms from 3 to 10 years
• Capital protection and predictable outcomes
• Ideal for medium-term financial planning
  

MYGAs are particularly popular with expats seeking stability across multiple currencies (USD, GBP, EUR) and jurisdictions.

Immediate Annuities: Fixed-Term or Lifetime Income

Turn a lump sum into income for life or a set period.

Immediate annuities begin paying out straight away, making them an ideal choice for expats entering retirement or requiring a reliable income stream. You can choose between 10-year, 20-year, or lifetime income options, depending on your goals.

Benefits include:

• Guaranteed income for life or a chosen period
• Optional joint-life or survivor benefits
• Removes investment and longevity risk
• No ongoing management required
  

Immediate annuities are often used to secure a “base layer” of income, complementing other assets like pensions or investments.

Fixed Index Annuities (FIAs): Market-Linked Growth Without the Risk

Gain exposure to the stock market—with capital protection.

Fixed Index Annuities link your return to a major stock index (such as the S&P 500), offering upside growth potential without the risk of losing your capital. They’re a smart choice for clients who want to grow their wealth, but are unwilling to accept market volatility.

Advantages of FIAs:

• No downside risk—your capital is protected
• Participate in market upside via index tracking
• Tax-deferred growth in many jurisdictions
• Tailored crediting strategies and currency flexibility

This makes FIAs a compelling option for expat wealth accumulation and long-term income planning.

Why Choose Harrison Brook for Expat Annuities?

As a leading fee-based financial adviser for expats, Harrison Brook gives you access to annuity solutions that are typically unavailable through domestic banks or insurers. We work with top-tier, internationally regulated providers to deliver:

• Transparent, competitive fees
• Multi-currency options (USD, GBP, EUR)
• Personalised advice tailored to your residency and tax situation
• Global accessibility with no need for local bank accounts

Our annuity offerings complement other key areas of expat financial planning, such as UK pension advice, investment management, and tax optimisation.

Important: These Annuities Must Be Funded with Cash

All of the annuity solutions outlined above—whether it’s a multi-year guaranteed annuity, an immediate annuity, or a fixed index annuity—must be funded using cash or liquid investments.

❌ They cannot be purchased using UK pensions, SIPPs, or QROPS.

If you’re looking to generate income from your pension savings, we can explore other routes such as international SIPPs with flexible drawdown, using retirement portfolios aligned with your goals. Transferring your UK pension to an overseas scheme, such as a QROPS, is another option. When transferring, it’s essential to consider the tax implications, including whether the Overseas Transfer Charge (OTC) applies. It is advisable to seek professional advice to ensure compliance and to safeguard your benefits.

Is an Expat Annuity Right for You?

Annuities can offer a unique mix of security, income, and growth—but they aren’t suitable for everyone. At Harrison Brook, we take the time to understand your broader financial picture and advise you on how annuities can (or can’t) support your objectives.

Whether you’re based in Europe, the Middle East, Asia or beyond, our experienced advisers are here to help.

📞 Book a Free Consultation

Want to learn more about expat annuity solutions and how they could work for your situation? Contact Harrison Brook today to speak with a regulated international adviser.