Start by understanding the options available for different pension types.

‘Defined contribution’ or ‘money purchase’ pensions. With these pensions, what you are entitled to depends on how much you have paid into the scheme alongside employer contributions, tax rebates and investment growth. Examples include individual or group personal and employer pensions and Self-Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs).

Since the pension freedoms of 2015, members of defined contribution schemes can usually do the following from age 55:

• Take the whole fund as cash – 25% (known as the ‘Pension Commencement Lump Sum’ – PCLS) will be tax-free in the UK.
• Make cash withdrawals when you want – unless you have already taken the PCLS, a quarter is free of UK tax each time.
• Take regular income through ‘flexible drawdown’, leaving the remainder invested.
• Take a secure, regular income for life through buying an annuity.

Expats also have the option to transfer UK pension funds to a Qualifying Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (QROPS). QROPS’ benefits include more flexibility to pass pension benefits to chosen heirs and the option to take income in euros instead of sterling. Once in a QROPS, funds are protected from lifetime pension allowance penalties and future UK taxation.

However, QROPS’ benefits and rules can vary between providers and jurisdictions. Note there is also a 25% UK tax charge on transfers to QROPS outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Gibraltar. Transferred funds remain liable for five UK tax years, so if you become tax resident in a non-EEA jurisdiction within that time, the initial transfer value will attract the 25% charge. It is important to take professional advice to first establish if transferring is suitable for you and then navigate the complex options.

‘Defined benefit’ or ‘final salary’ pensions. Here, your employer guarantees a proportion of your salary for the whole of retirement. As benefits last a lifetime and are often generous, these are viewed as ‘gold-plated’ pensions.

While you cannot usually withdraw cash from this type of pension, you can transfer it to a defined contribution scheme or a QROPS. Traditionally, this has been considered less attractive than drawing a guaranteed pension for life. However, today, some struggling providers are tempting members to cash-in with ‘transfer values’ of up to 40 times the annual benefits due at retirement. Although a one-off sum could potentially provide a retirement income that exceeds the original annual payment, it is crucial to understand fully the consequences before giving up final salary benefits.

Whatever type of pension you have, you should consider certain issues before making any decisions.

Taxation. While a quarter of cash withdrawals can be taken tax-free in the UK, they are usually taxable in your country of residence.

Under the Portugal/UK tax agreement, Portugal has sole taxing rights on UK personal and non-government service pensions. Most expats with Portuguese residency will therefore escape UK taxes on pension income, but are liable for the progressive Portuguese income tax rates up to 48%. In certain circumstances, however, it is possible to receive up to 85% tax-free.

There is even better news for non-habitual residents (NHR), who can receive UK pension income tax-free, in either country, for the first ten years.

Making your money last. Having the freedom to withdraw or transfer your pension does not mean that you should. You may even be better off taking no action at this time. If you do choose to take some or all of your benefits as cash, make sure you have a reliable plan to fund your long-term financial future that suits your personal circumstances and future goals.

The threat of losing it all. Pension scams have never been more widespread and sophisticated – Age UK estimates £43 million has been lost to scammers since April 2014. Generally, if an investment sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Once you transfer your pension, it is too late.

Also, beware that many companies offering pension services are unregulated. Whether they aim to defraud you or not, unprotected investments risk losing your money, with no recourse if things go wrong.

Even amongst regulated providers, check for quality. The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found that less than half of those cashing in final salary pensions received suitable advice. Make sure your adviser takes account of your needs, objectives, personal circumstances and risk appetite to find a tailor-made solution for you and your life in Portugal. While the FCA insists anyone with benefits worth over £30,000 takes regulated advice before transferring, it is an important step for anyone wanting to secure the best outcome for their pensions.

Getting it wrong could have serious and unexpected consequences. Take the time you need to do your research and establish your best approach for a prosperous retirement.