Hargreaves Lansdown SIPP and Non-Residents (2026)

Hargreaves Lansdown is the largest investment platform in the UK and holds a great many SIPPs. Expats and prospective expats often ask whether HL will keep their account once they live abroad. As with other UK platforms, the answer has become more restrictive, and the specifics should be confirmed with HL directly because they can vary by country and change over time.

In short

• UK platforms now generally require new applicants to be UK tax resident, and HL reflects that.
• Existing non-resident holders have in some cases faced restrictions or been asked to move.
• Policies vary by country of residence and are subject to change.
• Confirm your own position with HL in writing rather than assuming.
• Tax relief on new contributions still depends on relevant UK earnings.

The market context

After Brexit, UK platforms lost the passporting arrangements that allowed them to service customers in the European Economic Area. To manage the regulatory exposure of holding accounts for residents of other countries, many tightened their residency rules. Hargreaves Lansdown sits within this broad pattern, with new applications generally expected to come from UK tax residents.

Existing holders and de-platforming

Some expat customers across the platform market have received notice that their accounts will be restricted or that they should move their investments elsewhere. Whether HL applies a restriction in your case can depend on where you live, so the prudent step is to ask HL directly what its current policy is for your country of residence, and to get the answer in writing.

Tax relief is a separate question

Even if HL keeps your account, tax relief on personal contributions depends on having relevant UK earnings taxed in the UK. Without those earnings, relief generally stops, save for the limited £3,600 gross allowance available for up to five tax years after you leave. Account access and tax relief are two distinct issues and should not be conflated.

If you need an alternative

Where a platform will not keep a non-resident account, the pension can be transferred to one that will, including an international SIPP, which remains UK-regulated and is administered with non-residents in mind. Any transfer deserves careful thought and may be subject to scam-prevention checks where overseas elements are involved.

FAQ

Does Hargreaves Lansdown accept non-residents?

Like other UK platforms, HL generally expects new applicants to be UK tax resident, and existing non-resident holders may face restrictions. Confirm the current policy with HL for your country.

Will HL close my SIPP if I move abroad?

Not automatically in every case, but some platforms restrict or ask non-residents to move. The position varies by country of residence, so check directly.

Can I keep paying into my HL SIPP from overseas?

Contributions may be restricted, and tax relief depends on relevant UK earnings or the five-year £3,600 gross allowance after leaving.

Does HL charge extra for overseas holders?

Some platforms apply overseas fees. Confirm whether any apply to your account with HL directly.

What are my options if HL declines my account?

Transfer to a provider that accepts non-residents, such as an international SIPP. Take advice, as overseas elements may trigger scam-prevention checks.