Important Updates
Important Updates
July 1, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Residence Permits Extended
July 2, 2025 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
July 2, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 2, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Statement of Changes Creates Restrictions for Sponsored Work Routes
July 1, 2025 | PolandPoland: Single Permit Eligibility Limited  
July 1, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Residence Permits Extended
July 2, 2025 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
July 2, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 2, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Statement of Changes Creates Restrictions for Sponsored Work Routes
July 1, 2025 | PolandPoland: Single Permit Eligibility Limited  
July 1, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Residence Permits Extended
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Pension Benefits and the Importance of Totalisation Agreements

February 5, 2025

Pension Benefits and the Importance of Totalisation Agreements

Countries / Territories

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom
  • BelgiumBelgium

Related contacts

Wim Cocquyt

Wim Cocquyt

Client Engagement Director Europe

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4875

Harry Goldstraw - web porthole

Harry Goldstraw

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0)207 090 9299

Related offices

  • London
  • Brussels (Benelux)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Wim Cocquyt

Wim Cocquyt

Client Engagement Director Europe

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4875

Harry Goldstraw - web porthole

Harry Goldstraw

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0)207 090 9299

Related offices

  • London
  • Brussels (Benelux)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Wim Cocquyt

Wim Cocquyt

Client Engagement Director Europe

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4875

Harry Goldstraw - web porthole

Harry Goldstraw

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0)207 090 9299

Related offices

  • London
  • Brussels (Benelux)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Wim Cocquyt, Harry Goldstraw, Marina Ocariz, Flavia Noris

Navigating the complexities of international work and Social Security can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding how your Social Security contributions impact future benefits. Social Security Agreements, also known as “Totalisation Agreements,” play a pivotal role in ensuring fair treatment for individuals who have worked across multiple countries. These agreements not only eliminate the burden of dual Social Security taxation but also help bridge gaps in contribution records, securing eligibility for pensions and other Social Security benefits.

This blog explores how Totalisation Agreements work, their significance for international workers and practical steps to maximize your pension benefits when working abroad.

What are Social Security Agreements?

International Social Security agreements, commonly known as “Totalisation Agreements,” serve two key purposes. First, they eliminate dual Social Security taxation, where an individual working abroad is required to pay Social Security contributions in both their home and host countries. Second, they grant entitlements to Social Security benefits and bridge gaps in social insurance records, offering benefit protection for workers who have split their careers between two countries.

When workers divide their professional lives between multiple countries, they may not meet the minimum requirements to qualify for retirement, survivors or disability benefits in their current country of residence alone. Totalisation agreements address this issue by allowing periods of social insurance accrued in multiple countries to be considered in one country for the purposes of determining eligibility, ensuring workers receive fair consideration for their combined work history.

Totalisation Agreements allow periods of social insurance from one country to be recognised in another to determine eligibility. However, the pension amount credited is calculated solely on contributions made in the country administering the benefit; a pro-rata calculation is made in every country reflecting the contributions paid within that specific country.

Why is it important to understand the impact on your pension when moving abroad?

State pension systems vary significantly between countries; eligibility periods, benefit amounts and calculation methods can all differ. By knowing how a country you have worked in determines pension eligibility, you can assess whether you meet the minimum requirements in each country and estimate the value of the benefit you may receive.

Within the European Union, the social security coordination regulations (Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009) permit combining work periods across member states, ensuring that the contributions are recognised collectively. Similarly, Totalisation Agreements between EU and non-EU countries, or between non-EU countries, facilitate the combination of social insurance periods to satisfy benefit eligibility requirements.  

Understanding if there is a Social Security agreement between the countries you have worked in is crucial to avoid any gaps in your pension contribution record. Such gaps can significantly reduce your future pension benefits, or even make you ineligible to claim a state pension.

Where agreements do not exist, you may need to explore options of voluntary contributions or other methods to ‘top up’ any gaps in your contribution record.  A clear understanding of how your international employment record is recognised and calculated will ensure you make informed decisions about your financial future when moving abroad.

Practical example

John has worked in multiple countries: 25 years in Spain, two years in India, 10 years in France and seven years in Mexico. John will finish his career in Spain and will consequently retire there.

As mentioned above, EU Regulations allow work periods in different Member States to be aggregated to meet eligibility thresholds. John’s 35 years of combined EU work (Spain: 25, France: 10) ensure eligibility for pensions in these two countries. Each calculating benefits based on local contributions; i.e., his French pension will be based only on his 10 years of work in France.

Mexico’s Totalisation Agreement with Spain allows John to combine his seven years in Mexico with his 25 years in Spain, ensuring eligibility in both countries. However, separate pension calculations will be made based on seven years contributing in Mexico and 25 years contributing in Spain.

For those instances where there is no Totalisation Agreement between countries, such as Spain and India, John will need to check with the national rules of India to see if he can redeem the Social Security contributions already paid there. In India such possibility does exist.

There are also countries which allow making additional voluntary contributions to ‘top up’ working contributions to become eligible for a benefit, i.e., Caisse des Francais a’ l’Etranger (CFE in France) to build up to 10 years’ worth of contributions to then be eligible for a French pension. Please note that such option may be subject to a nationality condition: i.e., only French nationals can keep contributing into the CFE while working abroad.

To maximise benefits, it is crucial to keep detailed records of work periods and contributions made in each country worked in. Most authorities can provide you with a record of your contributions and requesting this record prior to moving to a different country ensures you have the information you need to make an informed decision about your benefit entitlement.

In addition, understanding the particular nuances of each country’s system can help you plan for what payouts or additional contributions you may need to make, to maximise your benefits. With proper consideration and coordination, international workers can unlock significant pension advantages while navigating complex, multi-country systems and legislations.

Looking forward

Protecting and maximising your pension benefits when working across borders requires a strategic understanding of Totalisation Agreements. These agreements eliminate dual Social Security taxation and allow you to combine social insurance periods from different countries to meet eligibility criteria for social security benefits, such as retirement, disability or survivor pensions. By maintaining accurate records, you can leverage these agreements to secure optimal pension outcomes and safeguard your financial future.

Additionally, optimising Social Security programs is essential, as Social Security represents a significant cost for both companies and individuals. Proper management can result in considerable savings for businesses while ensuring that individuals receive the benefits to which they are entitled. Fragomen supports individuals through Social Security briefings, helping them understand their entitlements and the actions they can take to secure benefits for themselves and their dependents—typically achieving significant savings.

Need to know more?

The Fragomen Social Security team is well prepared to guide clients to optimise their Social Security programs, assist with avoiding double social security taxation, where possible, and advise on pension and Totalisation Agreements. For questions or assistance, please contact Fragomen Consulting Europe at [email protected].

This blog was published on 5 February 2025, and due to the circumstances, there may be frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram.

Countries / Territories

  • United KingdomUnited Kingdom
  • BelgiumBelgium

Related contacts

Wim Cocquyt

Wim Cocquyt

Client Engagement Director Europe

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4875

Harry Goldstraw - web porthole

Harry Goldstraw

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0)207 090 9299

Related offices

  • London
  • Brussels (Benelux)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Wim Cocquyt

Wim Cocquyt

Client Engagement Director Europe

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4875

Harry Goldstraw - web porthole

Harry Goldstraw

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0)207 090 9299

Related offices

  • London
  • Brussels (Benelux)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Wim Cocquyt

Wim Cocquyt

Client Engagement Director Europe

Brussels (Benelux), Belgium

Email

[email protected]

T:+32 (0)2 250 4875

Harry Goldstraw - web porthole

Harry Goldstraw

Manager

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0)207 090 9299

Related offices

  • London
  • Brussels (Benelux)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

The 11th Seat: Timor-Leste's ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility

Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the Saudi Real Estate Market: What Expats Need to Know

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Learn more

Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to Know

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating the UAE Corporate Landscape: A Strategic Guide for Startups and Entrepreneurs

This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechRound: Experts Share: How Will The Global Talent Visa Help The Startup Industry?

Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: 25 Years Ago New Immigrants to Canada Told Us Their Dreams. We Checked In to See How They’ve Fared

Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Blog post

The 11th Seat: Timor-Leste's ASEAN Debut and the Shifting Map of Regional Mobility

Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom discusses Timor-Leste's ASEAN debut and its impact on regional mobility.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding the Saudi Real Estate Market: What Expats Need to Know

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar provides essential information for expats navigating the Saudi real estate market.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Learn more

Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to Know

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating the UAE Corporate Landscape: A Strategic Guide for Startups and Entrepreneurs

This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechRound: Experts Share: How Will The Global Talent Visa Help The Startup Industry?

Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Media mentions

Toronto Star: 25 Years Ago New Immigrants to Canada Told Us Their Dreams. We Checked In to See How They’ve Fared

Senior Business Immigration Analyst Rabaa Biry recently shared her journey to Canada and how support and perseverance helped shape her path forward.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.