As a freelancer in the Netherlands, you do not automatically build up a pension. That means you have to arrange it yourself. But how? And how much do you need to save? This article explains everything.
As a freelancer in the Netherlands, you do not automatically build up a pension through an employer. You are not part of a company pension fund, and no contributions are paid on your behalf. That means you have to arrange your own retirement savings — but how? And how much do you need to save? Here is a complete guide.
As an employee, your employer contributes to a pension fund on your behalf. As a freelancer, you will eventually receive AOW (the basic state pension), but for most people that is not enough to maintain their current lifestyle. In 2026, the AOW amount is approximately €1,400-€1,600 net per month for single people.
The gap between the AOW and what you actually need must be covered by your own savings.
A good rule of thumb: save 10-15% of your gross income for retirement. If you started saving late, increase this percentage.
Example: if you earn €60,000 gross per year, 10% = €6,000 per year = €500 per month.
Through a lijfrente (annuity), you save for retirement in a tax-efficient way. The premiums you pay are tax-deductible (via your annual allowance, or jaarruimte), meaning you pay less tax now. When you receive the payout, you pay income tax — but usually at a lower rate.
You can take out a lijfrente with a bank (banksparen) or an insurance company. Bank savings (banksparen) are popular due to lower costs and greater transparency.
If you operate through a BV (limited company), you can build up a pension reserve within the company. This is more complex and requires advice from an accountant.
Some freelancers choose to invest independently in ETFs via platforms like DeGiro or Meesman. This offers more flexibility but no tax benefit.
Simple and safe, but low interest rates make this less attractive over the long term.
The jaarruimte is the amount you can contribute tax-deductibly to an annuity. In 2026, the calculation is:
Annual allowance = 30% × (profit − AOW franchise) − pension accrual
For most freelancers with no other pension accrual, this typically works out to approximately 30% of your profit (up to a maximum). Use the Belastingdienst calculation tool to find your exact annual allowance.
As early as possible. The sooner you start, the more you benefit from compound interest. If you start at 30 with €300 per month and achieve an average return of 5%, you will have built up over €350,000 by the age of 67.
1. Calculate how much you can afford to save each month (use our [hourly rate calculator](https://askdirect.ai/zzp/uurtarief) to check whether your income is sufficient)
2. Choose an annuity through a bank (banksparen) or use a comparison site
3. Set up an automatic monthly contribution
4. Review the amount annually to make sure it still fits your income
Visit the [Freelance Toolkit](https://askdirect.ai/zzp) for all the tools you need as a freelancer, from invoice generation to VAT calculations.
📌 This article provides general information. Pension planning is personal — consult a financial advisor for tailored advice.