Approved Retirement Fund (ARF)

The ARF is a post-retirement investment vehicle. The ARF leaves it up to the individual to decide how much to withdraw on an annual basis to supplement retirement income. Revenue do impose minimum withdrawals of 4% per annum from age 61. This increases to 5% from age 71.

An individual has control over what the monies are invested in with a wide range of investments available. These range from cash accounts, equities, bonds, property, and alternative investments.

Certain pension schemes allow an individual to take a lump sum from their pre-retirement pension. The balance of the funds then move into an Approved Retirement Fund (ARF)

ARF's are available as a post-retirement pension option for the following pensions.

• Personal Pensions
• Personal Retirement Savings Account (PRSA)'s
• Small Self-Administered Schemes
• Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC)
• Defined Contribution pension schemes, subject to the terms of the scheme; and
• Buy-Out Bonds

What are the Benefits of an ARF?

• The individual can invest in a multitude of assets and asset classes.
• The investment strategy can be tailored to the individual's financial plan and appetite for risk.
• The investments grow tax-free while in the ARF structure. Withdrawals will be subject to income taxes at the individuals prevailing rate.
• Upon death, your Approved Retirement Fund will pass to your estate.

Want to find out more?

Contact us for advice on whether an ARF is the right option for you or to set up a meeting with one of our advisors where we can look at your overall retirement structure and ensure that all your pension funding is working for you to reach your desired retirement.

The Central Bank does not regulate Tax Advice, Qualified Recognised Overseas Pension Schemes, or Estate Planning.

The value of investments and the income derived from them can fall as well as rise. You may not get back what you invest.