Pension Guide · 2026
Pension Auto-Enrolment Ireland 2026: My Future Fund — Complete Guide
Ireland's auto-enrolment retirement savings system — My Future Fund — is rolling out in 2026 to help workers without pension coverage save for retirement. If you're between 23 and 60, earning over €20,000, and not already in a pension scheme, you'll be automatically enrolled. Use our Auto-Enrolment Calculator to see your projected fund.
How Auto-Enrolment Works
The system is based on a three-way contribution model: you contribute, your employer contributes, and the government adds a top-up.
Phase-In Contribution Schedule
Contributions start low and increase gradually over a 10-year phase-in period. This gives employees and employers time to adjust.
| Years | You Pay | Employer Pays | Govt Top-Up | Total Monthly (€45k salary) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–3 | 1.5% | 1.5% | 0.5% | €131 |
| 4–6 | 3.0% | 3.0% | 1.0% | €263 |
| 7–9 | 4.5% | 4.5% | 1.5% | €394 |
| 10+ | 6.0% | 6.0% | 2.0% | €525 |
* Government top-up estimated at €1 for every €3 contributed by the employee
Projected Fund at Retirement
Assuming full phase-in over 10 years and 4% annual growth, here's how the fund grows from age 30 to 65:
| Scenario | After 10 Years | After 20 Years | At 65 (35 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrator (€35k) | €61,183 | €151,749 | €375,332 |
| Nurse (€45k) | €78,664 | €195,106 | €482,569 |
| Engineer (€65k) | €113,626 | €281,820 | €697,045 |
| Manager (€85k) | €148,588 | €368,534 | €911,520 |
* Projections assume full phase-in at 6%/6%/2% rates after year 10. Use our Auto-Enrolment Calculator for exact figures.
Who Is Eligible?
You'll be automatically enrolled if all of these apply:
Age 23–60
Not yet in a pension scheme. Employees outside this age range can volunteer to join.
Earning over €20,000
Annual gross earnings above €20,000 across all employments.
Not in an existing pension
No existing occupational pension or PRSA through your employer.
Employed in Ireland
Working for an Irish employer. Self-employed individuals are not automatically included.
Opt-Out & Suspension Rules
Initial Opt-Out Window: 6 Months
You can opt out within the first 6 months of being enrolled. If you opt out, all your contributions and your employer's contributions are fully refunded. After 6 months, you're locked in.
Suspension: Up to 12 Months
After the initial opt-out window, you can suspend contributions for up to 12 months at a time. During suspension, no contributions are made, but the fund remains invested and grows. You're automatically re-enrolled after the suspension period.
Automatic Re-Enrolment
If you opt out or suspend, you'll be automatically re-enrolled every 2 years. This ensures you periodically reconsider pension saving rather than permanently opting out.
Auto-Enrolment vs Other Pension Options
| Feature | Auto-Enrolment | Occupational Pension | PRSA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employer contribution | ✅ Matched | ✅ Usually higher | Optional |
| Government top-up | ✅ €1 per €3 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Tax relief at marginal rate | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Investment choice | Limited | Limited | Wide range |
| Contribution flexibility | Fixed % | Employer-dependent | Flexible |