The Dutch pension system is built on three important pillars: the AOW, the employer pension and personal pension savings. These pillars together ensure financial security after retirement.
Overview of the three pillars
| Pillar | Description | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
| First pillar | AOW (basic income) | Government (SVB) |
| Second pillar | Pension via employer | Pension fund or insurer |
| Third pillar | Personal savings | Own initiative (annuity, savings products) |
First pillar: General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW)
The AOW forms the basis of your pension and is regulated by the government:
- Available to everyone who reaches AOW age
- Accrual based on years of residence in the Netherlands (2% per year)
- Amount varies depending on your living situation (single or cohabiting)
- Maximum after 50 years of residence or working years in the Netherlands
Second pillar: Pension via your employer
Many Dutch people save for their pension through their job:
- Premiums are shared by employer and employee
- Managed by a pension fund or insurance company
- Payout amount depends on income, years worked and the scheme
- With the new Pensions Act, it shifts to individual pension capital
Third pillar: Arranging pension yourself
You can build extra financial security yourself:
- Via products such as annuities or bank savings
- Tax benefits through deductible premiums
- Ideal for self-employed persons and people without an employer scheme
Frequently asked questions about pensions
Is my pension sufficient?
Check your accrual via mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl. Here you can see an overview of your AOW and employer pensions.
What if I am self-employed?
As a self-employed person (zzp’er), you usually have no employer pension. You can save yourself via the third pillar, such as annuities.
What does the new Pensions Act mean for me?
With the new act, you get a personal pension pot. This offers more insight, but no fixed payout. Inquire with your pension fund.
Legal support in Leiden
For questions about pension rights or disputes, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Leiden (Stationsweg 46) or submit matters to the District Court of The Hague, Leiden location.