AOW Calculator: Find Your Exact Dutch Pension in 5 Minutes as Expat in Holland
- Invest For Fire
- Jul 25
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 6
The one number that could change your entire retirement plan—and most expats in the Netherlands have no idea what theirs is
What AOW Actually Is
AOW stands for Algemene Ouderdomswet—basically, the Dutch state pension. But here's what makes it fascinating: it's probably the fairest pension system you'll ever encounter.
It doesn't care about:
How much money you make
What job you have
Whether you're Dutch or foreign
How much you've "contributed"
It only cares about one thing: How long you've lived here.
Think of it like a Netflix subscription for retirement. Every year you live in the Netherlands between age 15 and retirement, you earn 2% of the full benefit. Live here for 50 years? You get 100%. Live here for 25 years? You get 50%. It's that simple.
The full AOW in 2025 is €1,418 net per month for single retirees. That's about €17,000 per year, guaranteed, from the Dutch government until you die. Couples each receive €1,025 net monthly.
Understanding this is especially crucial for planning expat pension in Holland—because unlike locals who might build up the full 50 years, most expats arrive later in life and need to plan around partial benefits.
When Your AOW Actually Starts (And How You Get It)
Many people planning expat retirement in the Netherlands don't realize that AOW doesn't start automatically on your birthday.
Current AOW age: 67 years and 3 months (for those born in 1960)
Future AOW age: Gradually increasing - if you're born after 1960, your AOW age will be higher
The AOW Payment Timeline
3 months before your AOW birthday: SVB (Social Insurance Bank) sends you an application You must apply! AOW isn't automatic - you need to submit your application.
First payment: Usually within 4-6 weeks after your AOW birthday
Payment schedule: Monthly, typically on the 3rd working day of each month
How AOW Payments Work
Direct deposit: Payments go directly to your Dutch bank account
Monthly amount: Your calculated percentage × €1,418
13th month: You receive a holiday allowance (vakantiegeld) in May - that's 8% extra
Amount adjustments: AOW amounts are updated twice yearly (June and December) based on minimum wage changes
Living abroad? EU citizens receive payments in any EU country. Non-EU citizens may face restrictions depending on their retirement country - this is crucial for expat pension Holland planning.
The 5-Minute AOW Calculator
Ready to find your number? Here's all you need:
Your AOW = (Years in Netherlands ÷ 50) × €1,418
Real Examples
Sarah from Canada: Moved to Utrecht at 28 for love, planning to stay until retirement at 67.
Years in Netherlands: 39 years
Her AOW: (39 ÷ 50) × €1,418 = €1,106 per month
"I had no idea I was building up over €1,100 monthly just by living here! This changes my whole approach to expat retirement in the Netherlands."
Marcus from Germany: Transferred to Amsterdam at 35, loves it here.
Years in Netherlands: 32 years
His AOW: (32 ÷ 50) × €1,418 = €908 per month
"€908 isn't enough to retire on, but it's a solid foundation to build from. Now I understand why expat pension Holland discussions always mention the importance of employer pensions."
Lisa from the US: Arrived at 45 for a senior role, planning to stay.
Years in Netherlands: 22 years
Her AOW: (22 ÷ 50) × €1,418 = €624 per month
"Now I know why everyone talks about having a pension plan beyond just AOW. Late-arrival expats like me need different strategies."
The difference between Sarah and Lisa? €482 per month, or €115,680 over a 20-year retirement. That's the difference in arriving earlier or later—a critical factor in expat retirement calculations.
What Your AOW Number Really Means (for Expat Pension in Holland)
If You're Getting 80%+ (€1,134+ per month)
You've hit the Dutch pension jackpot. This forms a solid foundation for retirement, especially if combined with employer pension. Many people in this situation can retire comfortably in the Netherlands or live like royalty in southern Europe.
If You're Getting 50-80% (€709-€1,134 per month)
You're in the sweet spot for the "bridge strategy"—build private savings to cover the gap until AOW kicks in, then live comfortably on the combination. This is actually the most common expat situation.
If You're Getting Under 50% (Less than €709 per month)
Your AOW is more like a bonus than a foundation. Focus on maximizing employer pensions and private savings, or consider retiring somewhere your euros stretch further (hello, sunny Sicily!).
The Plot Twists Nobody Tells You
Leaving the Netherlands: Your AOW percentage freezes wherever it is when you leave permanently. Come back later? You pick up where you left off. This is crucial for expat retirement in the Netherlands planning—you're not locked into staying forever.
Retiring abroad: EU citizens can receive AOW anywhere in the EU. Non-EU citizens might face restrictions depending on where they retire. This flexibility is one of the hidden advantages of the Dutch system for expats.
No employment required: Unemployed for a year? Still building AOW. Studying? Still building AOW. It's about residence, not work.
Beyond the Calculator: What This Means for Your Life
Understanding your AOW isn't just about retirement—it's about life choices:
Career decisions: That job offer in Berlin looks different when you know it costs you 2% AOW per year
Early retirement: Knowing you'll have €900+ monthly at 67 changes how much you need to save for expat retirement in the Netherlands.
Your Next Move
Once you know your AOW number, you can make real decisions instead of just hoping everything works out.
Getting 70%+ AOW? You might be closer to retirement than you think.
Getting 40-70% AOW? Time to optimize that employer pension and consider where you want to retire.
Getting less than 40%? No panic—just means you need a different strategy.
Want to see how your AOW fits into your complete retirement picture? Our [Dutch retirement calculator] shows you how much private savings you need to retire early.
Because the best retirement plan is the one that's actually based on real numbers, not wishful thinking.
[Calculate Your Complete Netherlands Retirement Plan →]
Educational information only. AOW calculations based on current 2025 rules. Always verify with official sources for the most current information.
