Important Updates
Important Updates
May 20, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: April/May 2025 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
May 21, 2025 | United KingdomLBN: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset
May 20, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
May 20, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients
May 20, 2025 | United KingdomResearch Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity
May 20, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: April/May 2025 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
May 21, 2025 | United KingdomLBN: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset
May 20, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
May 20, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients
May 20, 2025 | United KingdomResearch Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity
May 20, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: April/May 2025 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
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 ReportsImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcastsVideos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapFragomen Consulting EuropeAustralian 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
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts
  • Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • 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

Media mentions

LBN: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

AMCHAM Luxembourg: Interview – Virginie Todesco, Fragomen

Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: H-1B Visa Cap Results: 65% Rejected, Immigration Fees Prompt Decline

Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.

Learn more

Media mentions

LBN: Youth Mobility is a Good Start - But Britain’s Immigration System Still Needs a Business Reset

UK Managing Partner Nadine Goldfoot reflects on how the UK’s immigration system might adapt to better support business and short-term mobility.

Learn more

Video

Digital Nomad Visas Explained: How to Travel and Work Remotely

Learn the key requirements for digital nomad visas and find out which countries you can apply to as a remote worker or freelancer. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times Adviser: Relocating to the UK: An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide for US clients

Practice Leader Olga Nechita provides practical guidance on navigating UK immigration routes, settlement options and key considerations for applicants.

Learn more

Video

New DOLE Rules for Employing Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Missy Mae Makil discusses the new DOLE rules for employing foreign nationals in the Philippines.

Learn more

Media mentions

Research Professional News: Immigration White Paper Offers Employers Costs without Clarity

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how the UK’s new Immigration White Paper could affect talent mobility and growth in the life sciences sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

An Interview with Partner Abeer Al Husseini (الاقتصادية)

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses recent changes in Saudi Arabia's commercial regulations, their impact on international businesses and how they support Vision 2030.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries Win "Partnership with an International Charity" at Better Society 2025 Awards

Fragomen and Talent Beyond Boundaries received the “Partnership with an International Charity” award at the 10th Annual Better Society Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Freelance Licence in the UAE: What You Need to Know in 2025

Corporate Services Director Elena Caron outlines essential information and updates regarding obtaining a freelance licence in the UAE, highlighting key requirements and benefits for freelancers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Immigration White Paper Sends Message That the UK is “Closed for Business”

Partner Rajiv Naik discussed how UK employers can prepare for immigration reforms by reviewing policies and aligning mobility with workforce planning.

Learn more

Blog post

A System Reset Presents Challenges and Opportunities: The UK’s Immigration White Paper in Focus

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit discusses how the UK’s Immigration White Paper presents both challenges and opportunities, highlighting the need for a system reset to address immigration issues effectively.

Learn more

Media mentions

AMCHAM Luxembourg: Interview – Virginie Todesco, Fragomen

Immigration Manager Virginie Todesco highlights how Luxembourg’s clear immigration system and strategic reforms attract global talent and employers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: H-1B Visa Cap Results: 65% Rejected, Immigration Fees Prompt Decline

Partner Kevin Miner noted that higher H-1B fees may have led employers to be more selective, though demand remains strong.

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.