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Personalised Pension Strategies for Directors and the Self-Employed
Running a business means juggling a lot, but your pension shouldn’t be the thing that gets neglected. Whether you’re self-employed or a company director, we help you set up the right pension structure to reduce tax, grow your wealth, and plan confidently for retirement.
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Get expert advice on pensions for directors and the self-employed. Leave your details and a qualified advisor will be in touch.
What Our Clients Say
Who This Director/Self-Employed Pension Service Is For
This service is ideal for individuals who:
Are self-employed with no access to a workplace pension
Run a limited company and want to make tax-efficient employer contributions
Work as a contractor or consultant and need help choosing the right pension structure
Have built up pensions from previous jobs and want to consolidate or review them
Are starting from scratch and want a clear path to retirement saving
We also support business owners who already have pensions in place but want to optimise for charges, fund choice, or drawdown flexibility.
Not sure which option fits you? Start with a no obligation consultation.
Am I Eligible for a Director or Self-Employed Pension?
If you’re earning income outside a traditional PAYE role, chances are you qualify. You may be eligible if you:
We’ll help you confirm what you’re eligible for, choose the right pension type, and make the most of available tax relief, whether contributing personally or through your business.
Are self-employed as a sole trader, freelancer, or contractor
Run your own limited company and take a salary as a director
Want to transfer existing pensions from previous employment
Aren’t currently enrolled in a workplace pension scheme
Start With a Consultation
Get clear advice on your pension options and next steps.
Watch: Pension Reviews for Directors
Learn why reviewing your pension matters as a director or self-employed professional.
Why a Pension Review Matters for Directors
Chris McKenzie explains the importance of reviewing your pension as a director or self-employed professional.
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Insights and guidance on this topic from our team
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How We Provide Tailored Pension Setup for Business Owners and the Self-Employed
Choosing and setting up a pension as a business owner or sole trader can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We simplify the process, help you get the tax relief you deserve, and build a plan that grows with you. Here’s how it works:
Step 1 – Talk to Us About Your Business Setup
Whether you’re a sole trader, contractor, or director of a limited company, we’ll clarify your income structure, goals, and what’s already in place (if anything).
Step 2 – Choose the Right Pension Type
Based on your earnings and business structure, we’ll recommend the best option:
- PRSA – Flexible, no minimum contributions, great for irregular income
- Personal Pension (PPP) – Broader fund options, typically lower fees
- Executive Pension Plan (EPP) – Higher contribution limits for directors
- Self-Administered Pension (SAPS) – Full control for experienced investors
- Personal Retirement Bond (PRB) – Ideal for consolidating older pensions
Step 3 – Plan Your Contributions and Tax Relief
We calculate how much you or your company can contribute and how to structure it:
- Maximise personal or employer tax relief
- Turn company profits into personal pension savings
- Run funding projections to help you plan long term
Step 4 – Set Up and Manage Your Pension
We handle the paperwork, setup, and transfers so you can focus on your business. After setup, you’ll get:
- Transparent view of charges and fund allocation
- Access to risk-aligned investment options
- Ongoing advice to adjust contributions or review fund performance
Why Pensions for the Self-Employed and Directors Are Worth Getting Right
When you work for yourself or run a company, your pension is your most powerful, tax-efficient way to build wealth and protect your future. Here’s why it pays to get expert advice from the start:
Avoid Relying on the State Pension Alone
The State pension is under €300 per week, and only if you qualify. Building your own pension puts you in control of your financial future.
Use Generous Tax Reliefs Before You Miss Them
Business owners can make far higher pension contributions than employees and offset them against tax, but these advantages are often underused or poorly structured.
Turn Profits Into Personal Wealth
Company directors can move money from the business into a pension, reducing corporation tax and building long-term personal savings, all within Revenue limits.
Avoid Mistakes That Limit Your Options Later
From choosing the wrong product to missing contribution caps, early missteps can reduce your flexibility at retirement. We help you get it right from the start.
Plan With Confidence, Even as Income Fluctuates
Whether your earnings are irregular or your company’s growing fast, we’ll help you adapt your pension strategy and stay aligned with your goals.
Let’s make your pension work harder — Book a call
Talk to Our Team About Directors and Self-Employed Pensions
Whether you’re starting from scratch or reviewing what you already have, we’ll help you build a pension strategy that works.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pensions for Directors and the Self-Employed
Do I qualify for a pension if I'm self-employed or a company director?
Yes. If you’re earning income as a sole trader, freelancer, contractor, or company director, you’re eligible to set up a personal or executive pension. We’ll help you choose the most tax-efficient structure for your situation.
What's the best pension option for company directors?
For directors of limited companies, an Executive Pension Plan (EPP) often provides the greatest flexibility and contribution limits. It allows your company to make large, tax-deductible contributions on your behalf.
Can I make both personal and employer contributions?
Yes. Personal contributions qualify for income tax relief, while company contributions reduce your business’s corporation tax. We’ll help you plan both for maximum benefit.
What's the difference between a PRSA and a Personal Pension?
PRSAs are flexible and have capped charges, making them ideal for smaller or irregular contributions. Personal Pensions may offer broader fund choices and lower fees for higher contributions. We’ll guide you on which suits your needs.
Can I transfer old pensions into a new one?
Absolutely. You can consolidate older pensions into a new structure like a PRB or PRSA for easier management and potentially lower costs. We’ll ensure no valuable benefits are lost in the process.
How much tax relief can I get on my pension contributions?
You can get income tax relief at your marginal rate (20% or 40%) on personal contributions, subject to age-based limits. Directors can also benefit from company-funded pensions that don’t affect these personal limits.
What Our Clients Say
Real feedback from clients who used this service
Yossef Aviram
Pension Advice helped me setup my pension plan with Aviva, and helped with all the necessary steps to achieve this, and even set you up their system to receive regular updates on my pension. The follow up was great, and i received regular update in every step and progress we made to achieve this. I am very happy i chose Pension Advice, and i would recommend to use their efficient and good service. Thank you Chris Louise and all the team in Pension Advice :)
Speak with our experts
Contact Our Directors
Get personalised pension advice from our experienced team of qualified financial advisors.
Chris McKenzie
CFP® | SIA | QFA
Director
Chris Crowley
PgD | SIA | RPA | FPRA | QFA
Director
Our Core Priorities
The Client Comes First
We are a client focused business, we aim to understand your needs and objectives and deliver based on this. This is at the very core of our business – you are what matters most.
We are Qualified Experts
All our staff are qualified experts and have the technical knowledge and experience to handle all your pension related queries.
We are Real People
We are real people who are here to assist you. We have direct phone numbers and email addresses, and will deal with your enquiry from start to finish.
We are Always Professional in All That We Do
Professionalism is the minimum you can expect from us. We pride ourselves on this and we will deliver for you in a professional manner.
We are Here to Educate You
It is important to us that we educate you so you can make informed decisions. Before we do any business with you we will educate you as to why it is the right choice for you. We want you to understand the decisions you are making.