As an employee in Utrecht, you usually accrue pension through your employer. The premium is deducted from your salary or partly paid by your employer.
How does pension accrual work in Utrecht?
With many employers in the Utrecht region, you are automatically enrolled in a pension scheme:
- A portion of your gross salary goes to the premium
- Your employer often contributes a large portion
- Your pension grows annually by a small percentage
- The management of your pension money is handled by a fund or insurer
Different pension arrangements
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Average salary scheme | Your pension is based on your average income |
| Defined contribution scheme | Premium is fixed, final amount depends on investments |
| Final salary scheme | Based on your final salary (rare) |
Franchise and accrual percentage
You do not accrue pension over your full income:
- Franchise: a portion of your salary does not count (due to state pension)
- Pension base: your salary minus the franchise
- Accrual percentage: often between 1.5% and 1.875% per year
Pension when changing jobs
If you change jobs in Utrecht or elsewhere:
- Your existing pension is retained
- You can consider transferring your pension (value transfer)
- At your new job, a new accrual starts
Frequently asked questions about pension in Utrecht
Is pension accrual mandatory with my employer?
Not every employer, especially smaller ones in Utrecht, is required to have a scheme. Check your contract or inquire.
Can I retire early?
Often you can stop up to 5 years before state pension age, but your monthly benefit will then be lower.
How can I see my accrued pension?
Via mijnpensioenoverzicht.nl you have insight into all your pensions from different employers.
Legal support in Utrecht
For questions or disputes about pension, you can go to:
- Rechtbank Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55, Utrecht