
Suurmond Tax Consultants
Expat pension
You are living in the Netherlands, and are about to receive a pension from abroad. You would like to know if your foreign pension will be taxed in The Netherlands, and what the best way is to declare it. Or perhaps you are to receive a Dutch pension, whilst living outside of the Netherlands. You will want to make sure your pension is not being double taxed. This doesn’t only depend on the tax treaty, but also on the type of pension.
Your situation
Foreign pension in the Netherlands,
or Dutch pension abroad?
In the situations mentioned here it is wise to let an international tax advisor have a look at your situation. We can advise you on the possibilities according to the Dutch and treaty tax rules and look after your pension.
For advice regarding the national tax system of another country, a local advisor will have to be employed, who knows all the ins and outs of this. We have access to a vast, international network of advisors.
We can help you in cases like these:
- You live in the Netherlands and receive a foreign pension, e.g. a 401K, and would like clarity on the consequences with regards to taxation
- You live in the Netherlands and receive a pension from an international organization such as the United Nations or NATO
- You have received a ‘conserverende aanslag’ from the Dutch Tax Office
- You live abroad and you receive a pension or a benefit from The Netherlands
- You live in the Netherlands, and expect to receive your foreign pension as a lumpsum payment
- You live in the Netherlands, and wish to make additional voluntary pension contributions
Often yes, but the outcome depends on the applicable tax treaty and the type of pension. The first step is to classify the pension correctly and then apply the treaty rules so you file it in the right place and avoid unnecessary tax.
Use the tax treaty between the Netherlands and your country of residence and make sure the pension type is treated correctly. With the right treaty position and filing, you can usually avoid being taxed twice on the same pension income.
A lump-sum pension payment can have different tax treatment than periodic pension payments. Whether and how it is taxed in the Netherlands depends on the pension type and the treaty rules, so it should be assessed before you take the lump sum.
A conserverende aanslag is an assessment that can be issued in cross-border situations involving pension rights. You should review it promptly and ensure your reporting and any required requests are handled correctly to avoid follow-up issues or penalties.
Yes. Overpaid tax can often be reclaimed through the correct filings. If you receive a Dutch pension, it can also be possible to request an exemption from Dutch wage tax withholding by the Dutch pension provider, depending on your situation.

Expat pension
About our services
If you are receiving a pension from another country while residing in the Netherlands, or vice versa, it’s crucial to ensure that your actions are in full compliance with the applicable regulations to avoid any issues. The Tax Office can impose high penalties if your affairs aren’t in order and presented correctly.
We would be happy to handle your tax returns and ensure that all applicable tax exemptions and benefits are used to your maximum advantage. In addition, we can help you recover any overpaid tax on your pension or benefit and, where applicable, request an exemption from wages tax withholding by your Dutch pension provider.

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Word from the specialist
“The importance of hiring an international tax advisor“
Hans Suurmond
— founder
If you are receiving pension from abroad in the Netherlands or vice versa, you will want to know for certain that what you are doing is done correctly, as you must be compliant. The Tax Office can impose high penalties if your affairs aren’t in order and presented correctly.
At our office you can be certain that you will be supported by experienced advisors who will provide you with expert tax advice.
Your tax returns can be looked after and, depending on the type of your pension, we will look into any tax exemptions and advantages that can be used. Or if your pension is being paid out as a lump sum, we can advise on that as well.
Read all about what will happen to your pension if you transfer this to a different country here.
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“Sander made the taxation issues for me as an expat a much easier process, my experience of living in the Netherlands but working for a UK company might have been very different if not impossible were it not for you!”
Louise Davies · Client review
“Less stress. Less tax?”
Schedule a no-obligation conversation. We will look at your
situation and answer your questions.