AOW Gap for Expats and Remigrants in Westland

Expats and remigrants in Westland often face an AOW (General Old Age Pensions Act) gap due to years spent abroad without paying Dutch social security contributions. AOW accrues based on years of residence, not just employment. Upon returning to Westland, the greenhouse horticulture hub of the Netherlands, you can voluntarily insure for periods prior to emigration, provided this is done within the applicable deadlines. Consider seasonal workers from Poland or Spain who worked in Westland’s greenhouses and are now remigrating. EU regulations (Regulation 883/2004) count residence years in other EU countries, such as time spent in Italy or Morocco for many Westland growers. For non-EU countries without a bilateral treaty, a pro-rata calculation applies. The Social Insurance Bank (SVB) verifies this through international treaties. Practical example: A Westland greenhouse grower from the US with 20 years of residence in the Netherlands receives 40% of the AOW entitlement; voluntary insurance can top this up to 100%, which is ideal for returning to Naaldwijk or Monster. Costs increase for older applicants due to premium accumulation. Important: Report emigration and remigration to the SVB in a timely manner, especially if employed by local employers such as those in Poeldijk. Tax benefits may be available through Box 1 deductions. Advice: Check your AOW accrual via [mijn.svb.nl](https://mijn.svb.nl) and address any gaps before reaching the AOW retirement age, with assistance from Westland-based advisors. Alternative: Consider Anw (Surviving Dependants Act) insurance for survivor’s pension. This helps avoid financial surprises upon retirement in the green heart of South Holland.