Pensions for self-employed people
How self-employed people can build retirement savings with a personal pension or SIPP, claim tax relief and protect their State Pension record.
Last reviewed 4 September 2026
Frequently asked questions
Are self-employed people auto-enrolled?
No. Auto-enrolment duties apply to employers and workers; a sole trader normally needs to arrange personal retirement saving.
Do dividends support personal pension tax relief?
Dividends are not relevant UK earnings for this purpose. A company may instead make employer contributions, subject to tax rules.
Which pension is best for self-employed people?
There is no universal best option. Compare charges, investments, service and retirement features against how involved you want to be.