Our expert advisors can help you explore your options before auto-enrolment and help you make the best available decision around your pension.
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Auto-enrolment for employees
If you're an employee without an existing pension plan, we've got everything you need to know about auto-enrolment:
- Learn how auto-enrolment affects you and how you could benefit.
- Find out if you're better off with your own private pension plan.
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, mandatory retirement savings scheme for employees who do not already have a workplace pension scheme or an additional pension arrangement.
Who is auto-enrolled?
Any employee (not self-employed) aged between 23-60 who earns over €20,000 annually and does not already pay into a pension via payroll will be auto-enrolled. Read our guides and FAQs to find out if you are eligible for auto-enrolment.
How does it work?
Auto-enrolment pension contributions are taken from your gross salary, initially at a rate of 1.5%. Your employer must legally match your contribution, and the government makes an additional top-up to your pension. This will all be invested, and you can access the money alongside the state pension at age 66.
What are the contribution rates?
- Years 1-3: 1.5% of gross pay.
- Years 4-6: 3% of gross pay.
- Years 7-9: 4.5% of gross pay.
- Year 10+: 6% of gross pay.
Auto-enrolment made simple
Auto-enrolment is coming to Ireland in 2026 and it could change how you save for retirement. Watch this short video to learn who’s included, how contributions work, and why it’s important to plan ahead.
Why a personal pension plan might be better
Auto-enrolment sounds like a great idea, and it's certainly a huge step in the right direction for workers in Ireland without a pension. But depending on your personal circumstances - especially your income tax bracket - you might be much better off with a private pension arrangement, or joining an existing employer pension scheme.
Below, you can see how an auto-enrolled employee would have a net cost of €300 to achieve a €700 contribution to their pension. A higher-rate taxpayer can achieve the same €700 pension contribution at a net cost of €240 after income tax relief, assuming a similar employer contribution.
Auto-enrolment No personal pension scheme | Personal pension 20% taxpayer | Personal pension 40% taxpayer |
|---|
| Employee contributes: | €300 | €400 | €400 |
| Employer contributes*: | €300 | €300* | €300* |
| Government contribution: | €100 | €0 | €0 |
| Income tax relief**: | €0 | €80 | €160 |
| Total contribution: | €700 | €700 | €700 |
| Net cost to employee: | €300 | €320 | €240 |
*Employer contribution is an estimate for comparison purposes. Employers may contribute more or less than this figure.
**Income Tax relief is not guaranteed. You can get tax relief if your income is taxed under Schedule E or Schedule D (case I or II).
Income tax relief and other values are correct as of September 2025.
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- 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.
Get informed on auto-enrolment
The complete guide to auto-enrolment
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you will be auto-enrolled in January 2026. Get auto-enrolment ready with our comprehensive guide to auto-enrolment pensions in Ireland.
Further pensions information
No matter your age, you should have a retirement plan in place to supplement the State Pension. Whether or not you’re auto-enrolled, discover more about pensions in Ireland with our guides.
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