Can you retire at different times in different countries in EU?

I will be 66 in January 2025. I plan to retire here and keep working. I have been working here for 21 years. I earlier lived and worked in Poland. I will return to Poland in 4-5 years and then I would like to retire there.

So, few days ago I wanted to apply for contributory Irish pension, but in online form they asked me for my Polish employment. I am afraid that, if I fill it, it will make me retire in Poland as well and I don't want it yet. How can I apply only for an Irish pension?

The only solution is to fill a paper form and leave empty spaces for Polish employment, but would it be legal? Also paper form is much more complicated, so I would prefer to do it online. Is it possible?

It is a very good question. Ireland is responsible for the administration side of your pension in your case if you retire now and is to contact Poland on your behalf to calculate your entiltement over there.

The same way you would not get a Polish pension in the case it was too early to be entitled to one you should be able to request not to start your Polish pension and pospone it for later (being allowed to do that in Poland).

Could you not ask the question directly to the Irish pension authority before filling the form? Check this Link where you can find contact details for the Department of Social Protection dealing with EU pensions.
They might be able to answer your question and if they do please update this thread!

It depends on whether you are better off claiming your Irish pension and Polish pension separately, or whether you would be better off using your Polish contributions to top up your Irish contributions. I know nothing about Polish pensions but I suspect you will be better off claiming separately.

GeJoan said:

but would it be legal?

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Yes. People make mistakes on forms all the time. It would not be an attempt at fraud.

I will have separate UK and Irish pensions and plan to apply for them without informing either authority. I know I won't be better off pooling contributions and the age entitlement is different.

Remember that both pensions will be taxable wherever you live! Take professional advice on this.

Dr Strangelove said:

Yes. People make mistakes on forms all the time. It would not be an attempt at fraud.

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It is hard to imagine how someone could make a mistake answering question 13 on page 2, it ask’s have you ever lived or worked outside of Ireland, yes or no.

Where you sign the declaration on the same page it says;

I understand that if any of the information I provide is untrue or misleading or if I fail to disclose any relevant information, I will be required to repay any payment I receive from the department and I may be prosecuted.
Warning: If you make a false statement or withhold information, you may be prosecuted leading to a fine, a prison term or both.

https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/application-form-state-pension-contributory-spc1.pdf

Your absolutely right, @Des Pondent

This is not the first time this has come up on AAM - I must admit that I find it weird that people seem so comfortable about making false declarations.

Des Pondent said:

I understand that if any of the information I provide is untrue or misleading or if I fail to disclose any relevant information, I will be required to repay any payment I receive from the department and I may be prosecuted.

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What are the circumstances where DSP would be at a loss if the OP fails to advise of a Polish contribution record?

JimmyB99 said:

I must admit that I find it weird that people seem so comfortable about making false declarations.

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Or why some people seem to assume that the likes of DSP/SW are somehow bent on bilking people out of their entitlements when they only ask for information to determine what these are in the first place and, in my experience, are very helpful in assisting with any queries that arise about same.

Dr Strangelove said:

What are the circumstances where DSP would be at a loss if the OP fails to advise of a Polish contribution record?

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I don’t know under what circumstances the DSP would be at a loss.

I am just pointing out that the application form asks very clearly if you have ever worked outside of Ireland, and warns of the possible consequences of giving untrue, misleading or failing to disclose relevant information.