Paying voluntary contributions under the state pension (AOW) scheme for people living or working outside the Netherlands
Everyone living or working in the Netherlands is automatically insured under the Old Age Pensions Act (AOW). This insurance stops when you go to live or work outside the Netherlands. Your state pension (AOW) will stop accruing. As a result, you will receive a lower state pension (AOW) when you reach retirement age. If you want to prevent this, you can choose to pay voluntary contributions under the state pension (AOW) scheme to the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB).
Eligibility for paying voluntary contributions under the Old Age Pensions Act (AOW)
If you wish to pay voluntary contributions under the state pension (AOW) scheme, you must meet certain conditions. For example, you must apply to pay voluntary contributions within one year of going to live or work outside the Netherlands. Please consult the SVB website to find out about eligibility for paying voluntary contributions.
Applying to pay voluntary contributions under the Old Age Pensions Act (AOW)
Please contact the SVB to find out how much you need to pay in voluntary contributions. The SVB must approve your application.