12

I'm returning to Sri Lanka, after working in Norway for 2.5 years. Wondering what options I have in taking the pension accumulated.

Improve this question
2
  • Commenting because I really don't know, but this might be helpful with research: In the UK, there's QROPS if you deal with international pensions. A similar scheme probably exists in Norway.
    – domen
    May 7, 2015 at 12:28
  • Many countries actually have pension treaties to avoid having to deal with these issues (Norway has them with some countries, but I assume Sri Lanka may not be one of them). If you return to a country that has a treaty, then you can claim the time overseas for your pension in your home country (as I said this may not be applicable to you).
    – Chris
    Oct 2, 2015 at 10:29

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
9

You seem to be out of luck!

If you have worked in Norway, you are only able to get your pension once you reach retirement age (67) if you have worked in Norway for more than 3 years. This webpage from the University of Oslo for its international employees explains this:

3 years of employment is required to get a pension from the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund and the National Pension Fund (one year for EEA-citizens)

And under the What happens when you leave section:

  • Pension contributions can not be transferred to any other pension fund or refunded to contributers moving abroad.
  • Contributions will only be paid out when the contributor reaches retirement age according to Norwegian law.

So even if you worked there for 3 years, you could not get the money refunded, but would have to wait until you reach retirement age and then contact the Norwegian authorities to claim your pension.

Improve this answer
3
  • So the majority of people on short term contracts will never access their contributions to Norway's pension fund. It discriminates against foreigners who will lose the time to save for their retirement while they work in Norway. What a scam.
    – discombobulated
    Jun 3, 2021 at 9:53
  • @discombobulated Not sure what it is called in Norway, but in Germany it is not a contribution fund, but more a solidarity fund for pensions. The employed of today finance the pensions of today. Your pension of tomorrow will be financed by the employed of tomorrow. This is different from private pension schemes where your final pension is based on the (possible) returns of your contributions over the years.
    – Mark Johnson
    Jun 3, 2021 at 13:47
  • I assume this is a long time away for you… But you might enquire if it is possible to pay voluntarily the missing six months at a minimum rate, which might be cheap enough and give you a reasonable amount of money every month when you are 67.
    – gnasher729
    Jun 6, 2021 at 7:13

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.