Ireland's Auto-Enrolment Pensions Scheme Launches in January 2026
Employers in Ireland are gearing up for the launch of the Auto-Enrolment (AE) system in January 2026. The National Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings Authority (NAERSA) will oversee the scheme, with the employer portal set to launch in early December 2025.
The Department of Social Protection has confirmed that the first Auto-Enrolment Payroll Notifications (AEPNs) will be issued in early December 2025, covering payroll data from September, October, and November of that year. This will give employers time to integrate the notifications with their payroll systems ahead of the 'go-live' date on 1 January 2026.
Contributions to the My Future Fund will commence on this date, with employers expected to have decided on their approach and engaged with advisers and payroll providers by then. Employers should also ensure all employees are enrolled in their current pension arrangement by November 2025 if they plan to operate a single scheme approach.
Key dates for the rollout include a 13-week lookback period starting in September 2025 and member charges announcement in late October or November. A comprehensive memo outlining the My Future Fund cost structure will be shared before 1 January 2026. William Fry will continue to provide updates and assistance in preparing for AE and managing its implications for businesses.
With the AE system set to commence in early 2026, employers are advised to review their payroll data, engage with professionals, and prepare for registration to ensure compliance. The employer portal is expected to launch in December 2025, allowing employers to integrate the system with their payroll ahead of the 'go-live' date.
