Why You Can No Longer Open or Transfer a Hargreaves Lansdown SIPP from Overseas
Hargreaves Lansdown (HL), the UK’s largest direct-to-consumer investment platform, has confirmed it no longer accepts new SIPP applications or pension transfers from non-UK residents.
Even if you previously lived in the EEA and already held HL accounts, this route is now closed following Brexit and tighter KYC (Know Your Client), AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and cross border financial services rules
If you live outside the UK, in the US, EU, Middle East, or Asia, you can no longer open, contribute to, or transfer a UK pension into an HL SIPP.
You may retain your existing SIPP, but it will be effectively “frozen” for new contributions or consolidations.
🔍 Key Points
- ❌ No new SIPP accounts can be opened unless you are a UK tax resident.
- ❌ Transfers into HL from another pension scheme are not permitted for non-UK residents.
- ⚠️ Existing HL clients who later move abroad can keep their account but cannot add new UK collective funds or consolidate pensions.
- 🚫 HL will not offer or promote services to EEA or overseas residents due to post-Brexit regulatory restrictions.
- ✅ Cameron James provides regulated, fee-only advice to help clients abroad transition to compliant International SIPP structures.
What This Means If You Have a UK Pension and Live Abroad
| Situation | Can You Transfer to HL SIPP? | Your Next Step |
| Already abroad (non-UK resident) | ❌ No | Explore an International SIPP or QROPS |
| Moving abroad soon | ❌ Transfers in blocked once non-resident | Transfer before departure or to an International SIPP |
| Already with HL | ✅ Keep existing account (maintenance only) | No new contributions or transfers |
| Returning to the UK | 🚫 Wait until UK tax resident again | Resume contributions after return |
Why Platforms Like HL Block Overseas Clients
Since Brexit, UK financial providers have lost their MiFID II and IDD passports to service and market to EEA-based clients.
As a result, firms like Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell, and Fidelity have restricted pension accounts to UK residents only, avoiding cross-border servicing and regulatory risk.
For expatriates, this has effectively ended most “DIY” UK pension routes. You now need a fully regulated, internationally compliant solution, one designed specifically for non-UK residents.
International SIPP — The Compliant Alternative
An International SIPP allows you to retain the protection of UK FCA regulation while living abroad.
It permits non-UK residency, accepts transfers from existing UK schemes, and allows you to maintain a globally diversified investment strategy wherever you live.
| Feature | Hargreaves Lansdown SIPP | International SIPP (via Cameron James) |
| Accepts non-UK residents | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Platform fee | 0.45% tiered | 0.25–0.40% typical, some fixed at £400 |
| Trustee/admin fee | Included | £150–£250 p.a. typical |
| Investment options | UK-based only, restricted for non-UK residents | Global, multi-currency access |
| Adviser support | DIY only | Dual-regulated (FCA + local) adviser support |
How Cameron James Helps (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Residency & Regulatory Check
We confirm your current and future residency and assess platform eligibility across the UK, EEA, US, and beyond.
2️⃣ Platform Selection
If HL cannot accept your application, we shortlist FCA-regulated International SIPP providers that match your residency, cost expectations, and platform preferences.
3️⃣ Portfolio Construction
Built under the Cameron James Investment Philosophy, our portfolios use low-cost ETFs and global diversification, aligned with your goals, risk profile, and liquidity needs.
4️⃣ Transfer & Paperwork
We manage all administration, LOAs, discharge forms, NT tax code applications, and provider communications, ensuring a seamless transition.
5️⃣ Ongoing Advice & Oversight
We provide transparent, fee-based advice, periodic portfolio rebalancing, and holistic cross-border financial planning including IHT, currency management, and retirement income sequencing.
“When platforms like HL restrict you, it’s not the end of your pension options, it’s just the start of doing things properly. International SIPPs give you the compliance, flexibility, and structure HL no longer can.”
— Jonathan Laws, Senior Adviser of Cameron James
FAQs — HL SIPP Transfers for Non-UK Residents
🔹 Can I keep my HL SIPP if I move abroad?
Yes, but you cannot make new contributions, transfer other pensions in, or hold UK-domiciled funds once you are non-resident.
🔹 Can I transfer a UK pension into HL from overseas?
No. Hargreaves Lansdown has confirmed that all new transfers from non-UK residents are blocked.
🔹 What are my options instead?
A UK-regulated International SIPP allows you to transfer and manage your UK pension abroad under FCA oversight.
🔹 Will I be taxed when transferring?
No, UK-to-UK pension transfers are tax-free. However, withdrawals depend on your country’s tax treaty with the UK — Cameron James can guide you through this.
Heading: Related Blogs (non-UK residents & overseas SIPPs)
If you’re running into overseas SIPP restrictions, these blogs may also help:
- AJ Bell SIPP Restrictions for Non-UK Residents — Alternatives and Transfer Options (11 Nov 2025)
- Fidelity SIPP Restrictions for Expats and US Citizens (13 Oct 2025)
Next Steps — Get Your Pension Transfer Started
If you’ve been rejected by Hargreaves Lansdown or found you can’t transfer your UK pension as a non-resident, Cameron James can help.
✅ Review your existing HL or other UK pension accounts
✅ Select a compliant International SIPP provider
✅ Design a low-cost, globally diversified, ETF portfolio
✅ Stay fully compliant under FCA and local regulation
📞 Book your free consultation today to review your pension options and secure a compliant, efficient transfer strategy.
👉 Schedule your free consultation
📥 Prefer to start with email? Reach us at info@cjfinance.co.uk