Providers are opening Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes (QROPS) at the rate of one every working day.
The latest HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) QROPS List reveals 10 pensions added to the list, with one closed and one amended since June 1.
Australia is surging ahead as the financial jurisdiction with the most QROPS – opening six in the past two weeks to reach a total of 240.
The next most popular jurisdiction is the Isle of Man with 212 QROPS.
The global tally is 1,177 QROPS – up from 1,168 on June 1.
That means the two leading financial jurisdictions are hosting 46% of all QROPS.
What are QROPS pensions for expats?
The number of countries worldwide hosting QROPS remains unchanged on the new list at 41.
QROPS are offshore pensions for British expats living permanently overseas or international workers who have left pension funds in the UK.
By switching pension their retirement savings offshore, they can access tax and investment benefits that are unavailable onshore.
The data shows the QROPS in each country. Figures are not available for membership levels or the amount invested in each scheme.
HMRC plans to publish the next QROPS List on July 1, 2016.
For more information about QROPS and the benefits it provides, download the iExpats QROPS Guide or complete the Get Advice form.
QROPS List By Financial Jurisdiction
| Financial centre | No of QROPS |
|---|---|
| Australia | 240 |
| Austria | 8 |
| Barbados | 1 |
| Belgium | 14 |
| Bulgaria | 2 |
| Canada | 68 |
| Czech Republic | 2 |
| Denmark | 4 |
| European Union | 1 |
| France | 12 |
| Germany | 32 |
| Gibraltar | 48 |
| Greece | 1 |
| Guernsey | 138 |
| Hong Kong | 13 |
| Hungary | 1 |
| Iceland | 1 |
| India | 11 |
| Ireland | 92 |
| Isle of Man | 212 |
| Italy | 20 |
| Jamaica | 1 |
| Jersey | 85 |
| Kenya | 1 |
| Kosovo | 1 |
| Latvia | 3 |
| Liechtenstein | 3 |
| Luxembourg | 4 |
| Malta | 25 |
| Mauritius | 3 |
| Netherlands | 63 |
| New Zealand | 31 |
| Norway | 6 |
| Portugal | 4 |
| South Africa | 12 |
| Spain | 2 |
| Sri Lanka | 1 |
| Sweden | 6 |
| Switzerland | 1 |
| Turkey | 2 |
| United States of America | 2 |
| Total: | 1177 |
Source: HMRC
