AOW Voluntary Insurance Abroad
The **AOW voluntary insurance abroad** is an option for Dutch citizens living abroad to still be entitled to the Dutch **General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW)**. Normally, you only receive AOW if you live in the Netherlands again or if you meet the Dutch income rules. With this voluntary insurance, you can temporarily prevent this.
This insurance is particularly relevant for people who continue to live abroad after reaching pensionable age but still wish to receive the Dutch AOW. It can also be interesting for expats temporarily living abroad.
What is AOW voluntary insurance abroad?
The **AOW voluntary insurance abroad** is a scheme under which you, despite living abroad, voluntarily contribute to the Dutch pension system. This allows you to retain your entitlement to the Dutch AOW, even if you do not live in the Netherlands. This scheme is provided for in the **General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW)** and the associated implementation rules.
Normally, you only receive AOW if you live in the Netherlands again or meet the Dutch income rules. With this voluntary insurance, you can temporarily prevent this. You then pay a voluntary contribution so that your AOW rights are not lost.
This scheme is primarily intended for:
- Dutch expats who continue to live abroad after reaching pensionable age.
- Dutch nationals temporarily living abroad who wish to retain their AOW rights.
- Dutch nationals living abroad who have no right to a foreign pension benefit.
Who is the AOW voluntary insurance abroad for?
The voluntary insurance is intended for Dutch citizens who:
- Are older than 65 years (or 67 years, depending on your year of birth) and live abroad.
- Have no right to AOW because you do not live in the Netherlands or do not meet the income conditions.
- Still wish to receive the Dutch AOW.
Important: You cannot voluntarily insure yourself if you already receive a foreign pension benefit equivalent to the Dutch AOW. Also, if you live in a country where you are entitled to your own pension, you cannot use this scheme.
| Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Dutch nationality | You must have Dutch nationality. |
| Residing abroad | You do not live in the Netherlands, but in a country where you have no right to AOW. |
| No equivalent foreign benefit | You do not receive a foreign pension benefit equivalent to the Dutch AOW. |
| Meet the age requirement | You are older than 65 years (or 67 years, depending on your year of birth). |
Legal basis
The scheme for the **AOW voluntary insurance abroad** is laid down in the following laws and regulations:
- General Old Age Pensions Act (AOW): The main act governing AOW.
- Decree on Voluntary AOW Insurance: This contains the specific rules for voluntary insurance.
- Article 10 of the AOW: Addresses the possibility of voluntary insurance for persons living abroad.
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