AOW pension
Exemption from compulsory insurance
Dutch national insurance consists of four schemes: child benefit (AKW), old age pension (AOW), survivor benefits (Anw) and exceptional medical expense (AWBZ). As a rule, everyone who lives in the Netherlands is insured under these national insurance schemes. If you receive wages or a benefit, you will pay national insurance contributions.
In certain cases, you can apply for exemption from compulsory insurance. You will then not have to pay national insurance contributions. However, you will then no longer be insured under the national insurance schemes. There are four possibilities:
1. Certificate of non-insurance under the AWBZ scheme
You can apply for this certificate if you receive a benefit from outside the Netherlands which insures you for this type of health care outside the Netherlands.
2. Exemption under the AOW, Anw and AKW schemes
You can apply for this type of exemption if you receive a non-Dutch benefit or if you work for an international organization, such as NATO or the European Union.
3. Exemption under the AOW, Anw, AKW and AWBZ schemes
You can apply for this type of exemption if you are the partner or family member of a person who works for an international organization, such as NATO or the European Union.
4. Exemption under the AWBZ scheme only
You can apply for this type of exemption if you are the partner or family member of a person who works for an international organization or who has retired from working for an international organization.