Pension

A good pension scheme is more than just an employee benefit. It is an investment in your employees’ future and in being an attractive employer.

In the Netherlands, pensions generally consist of three components:

  1. State pension (AOW) – the basic pension provided by the Dutch government.

  2. Workplace pension – the pension scheme provided by an employer.

  3. Personal pension savings – additional retirement income that individuals build up themselves, for example through savings or investments.

For most employees, their workplace pension is the most important component. That’s why it’s essential for a pension scheme to be well arranged, suited to the organisation and easy for employees to understand.

We advise employers on selecting, setting up and managing pension schemes. We also support employers with clear communication, so employees understand what has been arranged for them.
 

Frequently Asked Questions from Employees

We help employers provide a good pension scheme and support employees with clear, accessible communication. Below you’ll find answers to some of the questions employees frequently ask us.

 

 

When will I receive my pension?

You will start receiving your Dutch state pension (AOW) when you reach the state pension age that applies to you. Would you like to know when that is, or get an overview of your total pension? Log in to www.mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl using your DigiD. There, you can see an overview of your AOW and the pension you have built up.

Have you built up a pension through your employer? You will start receiving your pension from the retirement age specified in your pension scheme. In many cases, you can choose to retire earlier or later. The options available to you depend on your pension scheme.

Have you built up additional retirement savings yourself, for example through savings or investments? The terms and conditions of the relevant product determine when and how these funds are paid out.

How much pension will I receive?

The amount of pension you will receive varies from person to person and depends on several factors.

The amount of pension you build up through your employer depends, among other things, on the number of hours you work, your salary, the number of years you build up pension and the age at which you retire. If you have a defined contribution pension scheme, investment performance will also affect the amount of pension you receive.

Have you also built up additional retirement savings yourself, for example through savings or investments? These will also contribute to your income in retirement.

Will I have enough pension?

What constitutes a good pension differs from person to person. It depends on your personal circumstances, wishes and plans for the future.

So don’t just think about how much pension you are building up, but also about how much income you expect to need in retirement. For example, would you like to retire early, travel more or stay closer to home? All of these choices can affect how much pension you will need.

Thinking about this in good time will give you a clearer picture of your future financial situation and help you avoid surprises when you retire.

What does the new Dutch pension legislation mean for me?

The Netherlands has introduced a new pension system. As a result, the pension schemes offered by employers are changing. The aim of the new pension legislation is to ensure that pensions are better aligned with today’s labour market and that pension contributions are built up in a more consistent way for everyone.

What this means for you specifically depends on your employer’s pension scheme. The impact therefore varies from one organisation and employee to another.

Your employer will inform you when your pension scheme is being changed. We will, of course, also explain what is changing and what it means for your personal situation. This way, you’ll know what to expect and can make well-informed choices if necessary.

Advice for Employers

A good pension scheme is more than an obligation. It is an important employee benefit and an investment in your employees’ future. 

 

Would you like to know which pension scheme is the best fit for your organisation, or do you have questions about the new Dutch pension legislation? We would be happy to advise you and help you find a solution that suits your organisation. Please feel free to contact us at info@polaris-pensioenen.nl.