Interactive Investor SIPP for Non-Residents (2026)

Interactive Investor, usually shortened to ii, is a flat-fee UK platform widely used for SIPPs. If you are living abroad, or about to, the key questions are whether ii will keep your account and what you can still do with it. The platform has moved in line with the wider market towards restricting non-resident business, so confirm the current detail with ii before relying on it.

In short

• ii has generally stopped accepting transfers in and new accounts from non-residents.
• Existing holders can often keep an account but may pay an overseas fee and lose the ability to add money.
• Policies vary by country of residence and can change.
• Tax relief on contributions still depends on relevant UK earnings.
• If access is withdrawn, the pension can be transferred to a provider that accepts expats.

Where ii sits in the market

The post-Brexit loss of European Economic Area passporting prompted many UK platforms to limit who they will service. ii reflects this: it has generally tightened its residency requirements so that new applications and many transfers in are expected from UK residents. Existing customers who move abroad are treated differently from brand new applicants.

Keeping an existing ii account

It is often possible to retain an existing ii SIPP after moving abroad, but on changed terms. Reported restrictions include an additional overseas charge and an inability to make new contributions or transfers in. In other words you may be able to hold and manage existing investments while being closed off from adding to them. Because the detail can vary, confirm your own position with ii in writing.

Tax relief is separate from access

Whether ii keeps your account is a different question from whether you can claim tax relief. Relief on personal contributions requires relevant UK earnings taxed in the UK, with the limited five-year £3,600 gross allowance after leaving as the main exception. Even an open, unrestricted account does not create a right to relief that the tax rules do not allow.

If you need to move the pension

Where access is withdrawn or too restricted to be useful, the pension can be transferred to a provider that accepts non-residents, including an international SIPP. Such a transfer should be considered on its merits, including cost and currency, and may be subject to scam-prevention checks where overseas elements are involved.

FAQ

Does interactive investor accept non-residents?

ii has generally stopped accepting new accounts and transfers in from non-residents. Existing holders can often keep an account on changed terms. Confirm the current position with ii.

Can I keep my ii SIPP if I move abroad?

Usually yes, but you may pay an overseas fee and be unable to make new contributions or transfers in.

Can I still contribute to my ii SIPP from overseas?

Contributions are often restricted for non-residents, and tax relief in any case depends on relevant UK earnings or the five-year £3,600 gross allowance.

Will ii charge me more as an expat?

An additional overseas charge has been reported for non-resident holders. Confirm whether it applies to your account with ii directly.

What if I can't use my ii account properly?

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