The Dutch pension system of the future

Solution

The Dutch pension system of the future

Each pension scheme in the Netherlands has to be changed!

Ever since the financial crisis in 2008, a redesign of the Dutch pension system has been the subject of discussions and negotiations. The aim of the "Future of Pensions Act" legislative is to adapt the Dutch pension system to our way of living and working in the 21st century. Allowing pensions to more directly adapt to economic developments creates the perspective of pension benefits with more purchasing power.

Your challenge

All employees will have a (defined contribution) scheme with a flat contribution rate
The legislative proposal states that, after a transitional phase, pensions will only be accrued in adefined contribution scheme with an age-independent contribution. The accrual is based on thecontribution and no longer on the accrual of a (guaranteed/defined) benefit. The contributions paid and the resulting investment returns determine an employee’s pension benefits.

The introduction of the flat defined contribution scheme is intended for “industry-sector wide”pension funds, but effectively it means that all Dutch pension schemes must be adjusted. Aninsured average-pay scheme will no longer be permitted as from 2026. As a transitional measure,for existing employees (employed on 31 December 2025) the current defined contributionschemes with increasing graduated scales may be continued. For new employees, the flat definedcontribution scheme will apply as from 2026 at the latest.

Why Deloitte

Wtp analysis: The impact of the new pension legislation
The most important questions for you as an employer are:

  • What budget neutral flat premium can I offer to my employees based on my current workforce?
  • What is transitional law and is it beneficial for me to use transitional law
  • What is the best moment for me to implement a flat premium?
  • What will the new insured spouse pension percentage be for my employees?

Our solution

Our Wtp analysis give the answers to this questions and offers insight into:

  • The level of the flat premium and its effect on future pension accrual, which can be included in the future HR strategy.
  • The financial impact for you as an employer if you do or do not use transitional law which can be used to avoid unnecessary compensation costs.
  • The pension contributions between 2022 and 2026 for your future employees, which can be used to choose the right time to implement the flat premium.
  • The different options for spouse pension with related costs and coverage for participants which can be used to choose the most suitable grade of spouse pension.

The future of pensions? You are prepared!

The future of pensions

The future of pensions in The Netherlands

Contact

Robert-Jan Hamersma

Robert-Jan Hamersma

Partner

Robert-Jan is an Actuary and is Managing Partner of the Deloitte Benefits & Pension Advisory practice. With more than 25 years of working experience at Deloitte, including a secondment in New York, he... More

Richard van Marwijk

Richard van Marwijk

Senior Manager

Richard had 15+ years of experience in serving employers and entrepreneurs of multiple strategic pension projects including harmonisations. He is also responsible for the quality of and compliance of ... More

Tessa Parlevliet

Tessa Parlevliet

Manager

Tessa is manager within the Dutch Benefits and Pension Advisory and is employed at Deloitte since October, 2012. Tessa has experience in projects concerning pension advisory services, pension valuatio... More