AOW pension
Exemption
As a rule, if you live in the Netherlands, you will be covered by the Dutch national insurance schemes such as the AOW old age pension scheme and the Anw survivor benefits scheme. If you receive income from work, or a benefit, you will pay contributions for this insurance. Under certain conditions, however, you can apply for exemption from compulsory insurance. In that case, you will no longer be covered by the Dutch national insurance schemes.
What is exemption from compulsory insurance?
Exemption if you receive a non-Dutch pension or benefit
You can apply for exemption from compulsory insurance if you receive a pension or benefit from a country other than the Netherlands, or from an international organization such as NATO or the European Union.
Who qualifies for exemption?
You qualify for exemption if:
- you have a long-term pension or benefit
- your pension or benefit is more than € 991.20 gross per month
- you do not do paid work (voluntary work is permitted)
If you have a Dutch pension or benefit as well as a pension or benefit from another country or from an international organization, you can get exemption if:
- both pensions/benefits are long-term
- the pensions/benefits jointly amount to more than € 991.20 gross per month
- your Dutch pension or benefit is lower than or equal to the other benefit.
- you do not do paid work (voluntary work is permitted).
Your exemption will usually continue if you do voluntary work
If you do voluntary work, your exemption will continue provided you do not receive any wages or salary for the work. You are allowed to receive compensation for expenses up to a certain level. You should always report voluntary work to us so that we can check whether your exemption can continue.
Applying for exemption from compulsory insurance
You can apply for exemption from compulsory insurance by downloading the form on this page. Alternatively, you can phone our Insurance Office on number (020) 656 53 52 and ask them to send you the form.
Exemption from AWBZ contributions
If you wish to apply for exemption from AWBZ contributions, get in touch with the CVZ on telephone number (020) 797 85 55.
Family members of people who work for an international organization
Partners, children and, in some cases, other live-in family members of someone who works in the Netherlands for an international organization can apply for exemption. That person will often be covered under the social security scheme of that organization. If you, as a family member, are not covered under the social security scheme of the international organization, you will automatically be insured under the Dutch national insurance schemes. However, you may have reasons for not wanting to be covered under Dutch social insurance legislation.