Pension Auto Enrolment Savings Scheme
From 2026, all employers in Ireland — regardless of size or structure — will be required to facilitate the new Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme for eligible employees. This major reform is designed to boost retirement savings across the workforce, and non-compliance could result in fines, penalties, and prosecution.
Key Highlights for Employers
Key Highlights for Employers
Employees earning €20,000+ per year and aged between 23 and 60 will be automatically enrolled unless already contributing to a pension via payroll.
Immediate Enrolment
No waiting period — new employees are assessed straight away or within 13 weeks if income history needs to be established.
Employer Contributions Are Mandatory
You must contribute alongside your employees. This also applies to those who opt in voluntarily.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Blocking enrolment or pressuring employees to opt out can lead to prosecution. Missed or underpaid contributions will accrue interest and penalties.
Existing Pension Schemes Still Count
If employees already contribute to a scheme via payroll, they will not be auto-enrolled for that employment. But standards for exemptions will be introduced by Year 6.
Payroll Changes & Additional Reporting Required
You must submit a separate return to the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA) outside of your usual PAYE submissions.
Why You Should Speak to Fortis Financial Managment First
Before rushing to enrol employees or make costly assumptions, meeting with Fortis Financial Management offers clear benefits:
Custom Advice Based on Your Business
Get guidance tailored to your business size, industry, and current pension structure — not just the government default.
Ensure Scheme Compatibility
Your broker can check whether your existing pension scheme qualifies to exempt you from auto-enrolment and help align contributions efficiently.
Employee Education & Retention
Fortis Financial can assist with employee briefings, help staff understand their options, and make your benefits package more attractive for talent retention.
Stay Compliant and Avoid Penalties
Avoid potential administrative errors and legal pitfalls by getting it right the first time with professional guidance.
What You Should Do Next
Review your current pension scheme(s)
Assess your employee payroll and eligibility data
Book a meeting with Fortis Financial Managment
Plan your communication strategy for employees
Pension & Auto Enrolment
Secure Your Retirement Through Smart Pension Planning
A well-structured pension and auto-enrolment strategy gives you long-term peace of mind.
Contact us today to review your pension and auto-enrolment options.
Are you confident your retirement plan will give you the lifestyle you deserve?
If something unexpected happened tomorrow, would your family be financially secure?
Providing clarity on frequently asked questions
When will Auto-Enrolment begin in Ireland?
The Auto-Enrolment Retirement Savings Scheme is expected to launch in 2025, with phased contribution increases introduced over several years.
Who is eligible for Auto-Enrolment?
Employees aged 23 to 60 who earn €20,000 or more per year and do not already have a pension scheme through their employer will be automatically enrolled.
How do contributions work?
Contributions are shared between the employee, the employer (who must match the employee’s contribution), and the State, which provides a top-up to boost pension savings.
Can employees opt out?
Yes. Employees may opt out after a minimum participation period (generally around six months), though they may be automatically re-enrolled later if still eligible.
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