Pension Auto-Enrolment in Ireland: Definitive 2025 Guide for Employees
Eligibility rules, contribution rates and opt-out windows for Ireland's new My Future Fund scheme starting January 2026.
Ultimate Salary Calculator Team
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Ireland's long-awaited auto-enrolment pension finally has a timetable: contributions kick off 1 January 2026 after a short deferral from September 2025. Here's everything workers and employers need to know.
Key Timeline
January 1, 2026: Auto-enrolment begins
All eligible employees: Automatically enrolled in "My Future Fund"
Opt-out period: 9 months from enrollment to decide
Who Will Be Auto-Enrolled?
Eligible Employees:
- • Aged 23-60 years old
- • Earning at least €20,000 per year
- • Employed for at least 6 months
- • Not already in a qualifying workplace pension
Excluded Groups:
- • Existing occupational pension members
- • Self-employed individuals
- • Those earning under €20,000 annually
- • Workers over 60 or under 23
Contribution Structure
Employee Contribution:
Starting at 1.5% of gross salary, gradually increasing to 6% over time
Employer Contribution:
Matches employee contribution up to 6%
State Contribution:
Additional €1 for every €3 contributed (up to certain limits)
Example: €40,000 Salary
- • Employee: €600/year (1.5%)
- • Employer: €600/year (1.5%)
- • State: €400/year
- • Total: €1,600/year
Opt-Out Rights
9-Month Window:
You have 9 months from auto-enrolment to opt out without penalty
Full Refund:
If you opt out within 9 months, you'll receive a full refund of contributions
Re-enrolment:
You can opt back in at any time, and will be automatically re-enrolled every 3 years
Investment Options
Default Fund:
A lifecycle fund that automatically adjusts risk based on your age and years to retirement
Alternative Options:
Range of funds with different risk levels and investment strategies
Fees:
Capped at competitive rates to ensure value for money
Calculate Impact on Take-Home Pay
See how pension contributions will affect your monthly budget with our Irish salary calculator.
Calculate Take-Home PayFinancial Planning Guide
Learn how auto-enrolment fits into your overall financial planning strategy.
Financial Planning TipsNeed More Information?
The government will provide detailed information packets to all eligible employees before auto-enrolment begins. Stay tuned for official communications from your employer.
For the latest updates, visit the official gov.ie website.