Exceptions to AOW Voluntary Insurance Abroad for Amsterdammers

Amsterdammers considering emigration must be well aware of the exceptions to AOW voluntary insurance to preserve their pension rights. When moving to a treaty country such as Australia or Canada from Amsterdam, automatic coverage often applies without additional premium payments via the SVB. For non-treaty countries such as Thailand or the US, voluntary insurance remains mandatory to avoid gaps in your AOW accrual, particularly relevant for expats from the capital. A key exception is 'fictitious insurance' for those who resided in the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, before 1951 and emigrated. EU citizens from Amsterdam benefit from relaxed rules under Regulation 883/2004 for temporary residence elsewhere in the EU. Note: absence longer than six months from your Amsterdam address risks loss of entitlement, unless you submit an application to the SVB via the digital portal or the office in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. In case of dual nationality, your right may lapse if you declare another country of residence. Practical for Amsterdammers: check your status with the SVB at Damrak or online. If you exceed the reference date (five years before AOW age), you must catch up on premiums, possibly with retroactive effect. These rules thus prevent financial shocks for Amsterdam emigrants and safeguard your pension.