Residency Pension Check: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Verify your state pension build-up years and understand how living outside the Netherlands impacts your future AOW payments.
The Residency Pension Check is a service provided to help you verify your accumulated state pension build-up years.
Who it's for
This service is intended for individuals who need to confirm their pension status, specifically including both current residents of the Netherlands and expats. Because the system tracks your time spent in the country, it is a vital tool for anyone who has lived or worked within the Dutch system.
What you get
By using this check, you receive official confirmation of your AOW build-up. These build-up years, known locally as "Opbouwjaren," represent the periods during which you have contributed to the state pension system. Having an accurate record of these years is essential for understanding your financial standing and planning for your retirement.
What it costs you
There is no financial cost to use this service. It is completely free to check your status.
The catch to know
The most important thing to understand when reviewing your records is that your time spent abroad matters. Any years you spent living outside of the Netherlands will reduce your eventual AOW payout. When you review your build-up years, keep in mind that a gap in your residency within the country leads to a corresponding reduction in the amount you will receive in the future.
How to apply
- Review your personal history regarding years lived in the Netherlands.
- Use the official channels provided by the issuing body to request your status.
- Verify that the recorded build-up years match your personal records of residency.