What is Pension Auto-Enrolment?

Pension auto-enrolment is Ireland's most significant pension reform in decades. From 1 January 2026, eligible employees will automatically be enrolled in a new retirement savings scheme called My Future Fund. This initiative aims to ensure that workers who do not currently have a workplace pension start saving for retirement, reducing reliance on the State Pension.

Why is it Being Introduced?

Currently, around 35% of private sector workers in Ireland have no occupational or private pension, meaning they will depend solely on the State Pension when they retire. With an ageing population and fewer workers to support retirees, auto-enrolment is designed to improve pension coverage and financial security in retirement.

Who Will Be Enrolled?

You will be automatically enrolled if you:

• Are aged between 23 and 60
• Earn €20,000 or more per year
• Are not already contributing to a workplace or private pension

Employees outside these criteria can opt in voluntarily. Those already in a qualifying pension scheme will not be enrolled.

How Does It Work?

The scheme is administered by the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA). Using Revenue payroll data, NAERSA will identify eligible employees and enrol them automatically. Contributions will be deducted through payroll and invested in your My Future Fund account.

Employer Obligations

Employers must:

• Register on the MyFutureFund portal (opens December 2025)
• Set up payment methods for contributions
• Ensure payroll systems are updated for deductions and reporting
  Failure to comply can result in penalties and enforcement action