Pension ABC


A. Starting or changing my job

A1. When would I be registered with the statutory pension system in the Netherlands?

As soon as you take up residence in the Netherlands and are registered with the population register, you start to accumulate pension with the state scheme. When you start work, you start to build up your second pillar pension.


A2. Who pays the contributions?

Contributions to the old-age pension AOW have to be paid solely by the employee.


A3. Can I claim for a refund of my contributions if I leave the Netherlands again?

No.


A4. Are my times of pension insurance in the Netherlands taken into account in other countries and vice versa?

Within the EU, Dutch periods of insurance can be recognized as insurance periods in order to fulfill certain qualifying periods (eg. 15 years of insurance to qualify for a Spanish pension).


A5. What should I do before leaving the Netherlands with regard to my statutory pension?

Request a statement of insured periods from the SVB. It is useful to apply for a DigID (electronic signature) so that you can communicate with the SVB, Dutch Pension Register and other government institutions. Keep your DigID up to date by logging on at least once a year!


B. My pension benefits

B1. What benefits and services does the Dutch state pension scheme provide?

Old age pension, child benefits and risk based survivors’ pensions.
See www.svb.nl (available in English)


B2. Is there a qualifying period for my statutory retirement pension in the Netherlands?

For each year of insurance you are entitled to 2% of the full pension. There is no minimum period. For more details regarding the amount of the pension please refer to the section Pension Landscape in the Netherlands.


B3. Are my times of pension insurance in the Netherlands taken into account in other countries and vice versa?

Within the EU Dutch periods of insurance can be recognized as insurance periods in order to fulfill certain qualifying periods (eg. 15 years of insurance to qualify for a Spanish pension).


B4. Can I pay voluntary contributions in order to qualify for a pension?

You can pay voluntary contribution in order to continue the state insurance after leaving the Netherlands. There is a maximum period of 10 years.


B5. How high will my state pension entitlements acquired in the Netherlands be?

At the moment the pension for a single person is 70% of the Dutch minimum wage. If you are married or living together the maximum pension is 50% of the Dutch minimum wage. These are the rates of the state pension. For more details about the Dutch pension system refer to the section Pension Landscape in the Netherlands.


C. Nearing retirement

C1. When can I claim for my statutory pension in the Netherlands?

The pensionable age was 65 but is currently being increased in small steps.


C2. Where do I apply for a pension if I do not live in the Netherlands?

You apply for a pension with the Social Insurance bank, via the social security institution of your country of residence or the country in which you were last insured, in accordance with EU regulations and/or bilateral agreements.


C3. Can I apply for a state pension in the Netherlands if I’m still working in another country?

Yes. The AOW state pension is payable from the pensionable age, irrespective of whether you are still working.


C4. Does my work in another country affect my pension entitlements and the beginning of my retirement in the Netherlands?

Refer to question C3.


C5. How will the pension be paid out?

The actual pension is payable to a pensioner outside the Netherlands.
Link: https://www.svb.nl/en/aow-pension/payment-of-aow-pension