Frequently asked questions

• Does my AOW accumulation expire if I leave the Netherlands?

  No, your AOW accumulation (Algemene Ouderdomswet - General Old Age Act) does not expire when you leave the Netherlands. AOW is a basic state pension.

  As long as you have been insured in the Netherlands, you accumulate AOW rights. Each year you are insured, you build up 2% of a full AOW.

  This accumulation is retained, regardless of where you live. You can view your AOW overview via Mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl.

• Can I take my accumulated pension with me to my home country?

  In most cases, it is not possible to take your full accumulated pension capital directly to your home country.

  Dutch pension legislation has specific rules for 'value transfer'. Often the pension is left 'dormant' with the Dutch pension fund.

  When you reach pension age, the pension fund will send the payment to your country of residence.

  There are exceptions, for example with small pensions or when there are agreements with certain countries. It is advisable to contact your pension fund or a pension advisor about this.

• How do I apply for a DigiD from abroad?

  You can apply for a DigiD from abroad if you have a BSN.

  The application starts online via DigiD.nl/buitenland. After the online application, you will receive a counter code.

  With this counter code, you must personally collect the activation code at one of the DigiD counters in the Netherlands or at a Dutch embassy or consulate abroad.

  Make sure you have a valid ID (passport or ID card), your BSN, a mobile phone and email address on hand.

• What should I do if my DigiD has expired?

  A DigiD that has not been used within 3 years of leaving the Netherlands may expire.

  If your DigiD has expired, you can no longer use it. You will then need to apply for a new DigiD using the procedure for applying from abroad.

  It is therefore important to keep your DigiD active by logging in regularly, preferably with the DigiD app.

• Can I withdraw my pension before I reach pension age?

  This depends on the type of pension and the rules of your pension fund.

  In most cases, you cannot simply withdraw your occupational pension before you reach pension age. However, there are exceptions, such as in case of serious financial hardship.

  AOW can only be claimed when you reach AOW age (currently 67 years and a few months, depending on your birth year).

  Contact your pension fund for specific information about your situation.

• What happens to my pension if I move to a non-EEA country?

  The basic principles remain the same: your BSN remains valid and your pension rights are retained.

  However, it may be more difficult to keep your DigiD active or apply for a new one, as DigiD counters are mainly available in Europe.

  In this case, you can contact your pension fund or the SVB (Social Insurance Bank) for alternative ways to view your pension information.

  It is advisable to arrange this beforehand before you move.

• How do I know how much pension I have accumulated?

  You can view your pension overview via mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl. Here you can see all your pension rights accumulated in the Netherlands.

  You can also contact your pension fund or employer directly for more detailed information.

  Each year you will also receive a pension overview from your pension fund by mail or email.