What is an Approved Retirement Fund?
Approved Retirement Funds (often referred to as ARFs) keep your pension savings invested after you have retired while giving you the freedom to withdraw money as and when you need it. As the savings are still invested, their value may increase or decrease.
Aviva Approved Retirement Funds at a glance
Competitive and Transparent Pricing
A range of options to choose from, we offer great choice and value
Investment Choice
We offer a wide range of investment funds to choose from
Minimum Contribution
Single contributions from €20,000
Online Service
View key policy information & access online tools
| Warning: Due to the nature of this product, it is important to ensure that it remains suitable for you. We recommend that you engage with your financial advisor on a regular basis to ensure its ongoing suitability Warning: If you invest in this product, you may lose some, or all, of the money you invest. Warning: The value of your investment may go down as well as up. Warning: The income you earn from this investment may go down as well as up. Warning: This product may be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. |
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Principal features and benefits of ARFs
- Money from your pension is invested after you have retired so that it still enjoys the opportunity to grow.
- Every year Aviva can pay you a fixed percentage of your ARF (some limits apply) as an income.
- Withdrawals reduce your remaining fund and may limit future income. Revenue imputed distribution rules apply and tax may be deducted from withdrawals.
- You have control over what your ARF is invested in.
- You can use your ARF to buy an annuity at any point in the future.
- In the event of your death, the value of your ARF is passed on to your estate.
Is the Aviva ARF right for you?
To invest in our Approved Retirement Fund you must be:
The Aviva ARF may suit you if you:
- Are retired and have taken a retirement lump sum of up to 25% of the pension fund and now wish to invest the remaining balance.
- Are happy with the charges on this product and accept that the value of your fund could fall as well as rise.
- Are aged 50 to 75 and have recently retired or are retiring, having taken your tax-free lump sum (typically up to 25% of your pension fund).
- Want to keep your remaining pension savings invested, with the potential for continued growth during retirement.
- Prefer flexibility over a guaranteed income, and want to control how and when you draw down income from your pension fund.
- Are comfortable with investment risk, understanding that the value of your ARF can rise or fall depending on market performance.
- Want to take regular or ad hoc withdrawals, subject to Revenue minimum drawdown rules.
- Value investment choice, with access to a wide range of funds including multi-asset, ESG, and lifestyle strategies.
- Wish to retain ownership of your pension savings, with the ability to pass the remaining fund to your estate upon death.
- May consider purchasing an annuity later, but want to defer that decision and retain investment flexibility in the meantime.
- Appreciate digital tools and transparency, with online access to fund performance, policy details, and withdrawal options.
- Are financially engaged, want control and flexibility in managing your retirement income, and are comfortable making investment decisions or working with a financial advisor
The Aviva ARF may not suit you if you:
- Are not happy with the charges on this product and are not comfortable with the fact that your fund could fall as well as rise
- Have taken a tax-free lump sum of up to 1.5 times your final salary
- Are not happy with the choice of funds on the ARF Prefer a guaranteed income (e.g., annuity).
- Are uncomfortable with managing withdrawals and investment risk.
- May outlive your fund and need lifelong income security.
- Are not willing to comply with Revenue minimum withdrawal rules.
- Want a fixed, predictable retirement income.
- Are seeking a product that guarantees your capital or provides a guarantor to protect you from investment losses.
Tools & Calculators
Fund Centre 
How are you funds performing and where are they invested? Find out using our daily updated fund centre.
Useful Documents
The document below is a downloadable PDF you can save or print.
Expert advice
Want expert advice on pensions and retirement? Contact your Financial Broker today.
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Warnings
Important information to consider.
| Warning: Due to the nature of this product, it is important to ensure that it remains suitable for you. We recommend that you engage with your financial advisor on a regular basis to ensure its ongoing suitability Warning: If you invest in this product, you may lose some, or all, of the money you invest. Warning: The value of your investment may go down as well as up. Warning: The income you earn from this investment may go down as well as up. Warning: This product may be affected by changes in currency exchange rates. |
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