How Auto-enrolment Works
Set to begin in January 2026, auto-enrolment will give hundreds of thousands of employees automatic access to a workplace pension for the first time.
The scheme will be phased in over 10 years, with employees contributing a percentage of their salary to their new pension. Employers will match this percentage, while the State will also make a contribution.
Those aged between 23 and 60 and earning more than €20,000 per year will be automatically enrolled. Those who fall outside the age bracket or earn less than €20,000 can also participate if they wish, by opting in to the scheme.
Auto-enrolment will not affect your Contributory State Pension.
How the Auto-enrolment Calculator Works
The calculator is designed for employees to quickly find out:
- Whether they will be automatically enrolled. (People can also opt-in, if they wish.)
- How much of their salary will go towards their new workplace pension each year.
- How much pension they will receive upon retirement under the auto-enrolment scheme.
Auto-enrolment in Ireland – Eligibility and Contributions
Contribution percentages will be phased in over the first 10 years of the scheme, from 1st January 2026.
For every €3 contributed by an employee (from their salary), they will receive €7 into their auto-enrolment pension pot.
This is because each €3 contribution must be matched by their employer, and the State will contribute €1.
Click here for a more in-depth discussion on auto-enrolment in Ireland.
