Our expert team is committed to helping small businesses around Ireland with auto-enrolment.
Book an appointment with one of our financial advisors, virtually or in-person.
Auto-enrolment for employers
If you’re an employer, you need to be ready for auto-enrolment before 2026.
- If you’re a small business owner, book an appointment below for a free retirement review.
- If you’re in a large workplace, Irish Life Employer Solutions can offer expert guidance. Email: aeready@irishlife.ie
Products are provided by Irish Life Assurance and advice is provided by Irish Life Financial Services.
What is auto-enrolment?
Auto-enrolment is a new retirement savings scheme for employees who do not already have a workplace pension scheme or an additional pension arrangement being paid into via payroll deductions.
Employers legally have to match the auto-enrolment pension contributions of their employees.
What do I need to pay?
The rates are being phased in over the first 10 years of the scheme:
- Contributions will start at 1.5% of gross pay for three years
- In year four they will increase to 3%
- In year seven they will increase to 4.5%
- In year 10 they will increase to the maximum rate of 6%
What do I need to do?
Employers must match their employee’s auto-enrolment pension contributions for auto-enrolment.
Alternatively, employers can set up a workplace pension scheme for their employees to offer more flexibility and control.
Auto-enrolment or a regular workplace pension?
Auto-enrolment allows employees to save for retirement without relying solely on the state pension. It means that employees do not have to sign up for a pension arrangement in order to have a better chance at more retirement savings.
However, as an employer, you will have little to no control over the auto-enrolment pension scheme - including costs, investment managers, and services. It may also be the case that your employees will be financially better off with a regular workplace pension arrangement.
An Irish Life pension arrangement | Auto-enrolment |
|---|
| Financial advice | ||
| Customer support | ||
| Contribution flexibility | Amend or pause contributions at any time | Limited opt-out and no control over amounts |
| Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) | Can make or amend AVCs at any time | N/A |
| Fund options & choice | Full control over fund investment options | Limited range of options |
| Early retirement options | Potential access from age 50 | Only accessible from age 66 |
| Government contribution | ||
| Taxpayer outcomes | Up to 40% income tax relief | No income tax relief |
What is the best pension for my company?
If you're a small business owner
Our expert team of financial advisors is on hand to help you choose the right pension for you and your people, offering you full control over the pension plan.
If you're a larger company
Irish Life Employer Solutions is a leading pension and insurance provider for companies and businesses in Ireland from SMB to enterprise level companies. Get in touch today for expert guidance.
Why choose Irish Life?
Guide you to retirement
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As part of Great-West Lifeco group of companies
Get informed on auto-enrolment
The complete guide to auto-enrolment
If your employees meet the eligibility criteria, they will be auto-enrolled in January 2026. Get auto-enrolment ready with our comprehensive guide to auto-enrolment pensions in Ireland.
All about pensions in Ireland
Whether or not auto-enrolment will impact your company, you should know your pension options for yourself and your employees. Discover more about pensions in Ireland with our guides.
Your auto-enrolment questions answered
Free auto-enrolment consultation
How can Irish Life help small businesses?
What happens in your appointment?
Get an evaluation of your finances
Get answers to your questions
Get a free personalised plan
Get the right recommendations
“Use 60 mins to invest in your life, it’s time well spent on your future.”
- Linda Moran
Financial Advisor Irish Life
Irish Life Financial Services Limited, trading as Irish Life, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. Irish Life Financial Services is an insurance intermediary tied to Irish Life Assurance for life and pensions.