Pension and future provisions

The Dutch pension system is based on three pillars:

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Handy Dutch words and phrases

  • toeslag - benefit / allowance

State pension (AOW)

You build this up through your social security contributions. Everyone who lives or works in the Netherlands accrues 2% of a full AOW pension each year. This pension is provided by the SVB.

Company pension

This is built up through your employer.  Note: not every employer has a company pension scheme. If you are self-employed, see Pension provisions for self-employed professionals | Business.gov.nl for more information.

Private pension

This is not mandatory but you can choose to take out a private pension via an insurance company or bank.


Dutch tax law has several provisions for savings for the future whereby contributions are (partly) tax deductible (and future payments taxable), or saved amounts are tax-free (such as netto-pensioen/lijfrente).

For more information

  • Information in English from the Dutch government on the state pension

  • Information in English from the Dutch government on pension provisions for self-employed professionals

  • Information in English from the SVB on your state pension 

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