Auto-Enrolment in Ireland: What It Means for Employees

*Please note that this page was last updated on 8 January 2026

From January 2026, a new workplace pension system called Auto-Enrolment was introduced in Ireland.

If you’re an employee, this means saving for your retirement will become automatic, even if you’ve never had a pension before.

This guide explains what Auto-Enrolment means for you, what the changes are, and what you need to do.

What is Auto-Enrolment in Ireland?

Auto-Enrolment is a new workplace pension system designed to help employees save for retirement.

If you are eligible, you will be automatically enrolled into a pension scheme called My Future Fund, which is managed by the National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA).

You don’t need to apply or sign up — enrolment happens automatically through payroll.

Who is eligible for Auto-Enrolment?

You will be automatically enrolled if you:

• Are aged 23 to 60

• Earn €20,000 or more per year

• Are not already contributing to a workplace pension through payroll

If you don’t meet these criteria, you won’t be automatically enrolled, but you may be able to opt in voluntarily.

What happens when you’re enrolled?

Once enrolled:

• A contribution is deducted automatically from your pay

• Your employer also contributes

• The State adds a top-up to your pension

All contributions are paid into your My Future Fund pension account and shown clearly on your payslip.

How much will I contribute — now and in the future?

Auto-Enrolment is designed to start small and increase gradually, so the impact on your take-home pay is manageable.

Here’s how contribution rates will increase over time:

Auto-Enrolment contribution rates

From January 2026

• Employee: 1.5%

• Employer: 1.5%

• State: 0.5%

After 3 years

• Employee: 3%

• Employer: 3%

• State: 1%

After 6 years

• Employee: 4.5%

• Employer: 4.5%

• State: 1.5%

After 10 years

• Employee: 6%

• Employer: 6%

• State: 2%

These increases happen automatically over time.

What does this look like in real terms?

Here’s a simple example for someone earning €30,000 per year.

In the first year of Auto-Enrolment (1.5%)

• Your contribution: about €9 per week

• Employer contribution: about €9 per week

• State contribution: about €3 per week

That’s around €21 per week going into your pension — even though only about €9 comes directly from your pay.

Over a full year, that’s roughly €1,100 added to your pension savings.

At full contribution rates

As contribution rates reach their full level:

• Your contribution: about €35 per week

• Employer contribution: about €35 per week

• State contribution: about €12 per week

That’s close to €80 per week being saved for your retirement — shared between you, your employer and the State.

Because these increases happen gradually over a number of years, the impact on take-home pay is spread out and easier to adjust to.

Can I contribute less than the Auto-Enrolment minimum?

No. If you are enrolled, minimum contribution rates apply.

However, Auto-Enrolment itself is optional overall. After the initial participation period:

• You can opt out

• You can opt back in later

• You’ll be automatically re-enrolled in future years if still eligible

Can I contribute more than the minimum?

Auto-Enrolment sets minimum contribution rates. Over time, there may be options to make additional voluntary contributions, depending on how the scheme is operated.

How can I see and manage my Auto-Enrolment pension?

Your pension will be managed through an online portal provided by NAERSA.

Through this portal, you’ll be able to:

• View your pension balance

• See contributions from you, your employer and the State

• Track contributions over time

• See how your money is invested

• Choose from available investment options

If you don’t want to make investment choices yourself, your money will be invested automatically using professionally managed default options designed for long-term retirement saving.

This gives you visibility and transparency, without needing to be a pension expert.

What if I already have a pension?

If you already contribute to a workplace pension through payroll, you won’t be auto-enrolled.

If your employer pension has a waiting period, you may be auto-enrolled temporarily until that pension starts.

What happens to my pension if I change jobs?

Your Auto-Enrolment pension stays with you.

• You keep your savings

• You don’t need to transfer or close your account

• Contributions can continue with a new employer if you’re eligible

This is known as a “pot-follows-member” system.

Does Auto-Enrolment replace the State Pension?

No. Auto-Enrolment is in addition to the State Pension.

It’s designed to help employees build extra retirement income, not replace existing State supports.

Do employees need to do anything now?

No. For most employees, no action is needed.

Auto-Enrolment will be handled automatically through payroll, and you’ll receive clear information when it applies to you.

Auto-Enrolment in Ireland: key takeaways for employees

• Auto-Enrolment starts January 2026

• Savings are shared between you, your employer and the State

• Contributions increase gradually over time

• You can view and manage your pension online

• You can opt out — but staying in helps build long-term savings

It’s a small amount now — with a meaningful impact over time.

This content may have been developed with the assistance of AI tools. Content is reviewed by a member of the Bright team before publication. Guidance on legislation can be obtained from your industry body.