Lump sum

People who are about to retire will be given a new choice. As from 1 January 2029, you can withdraw a maximum of 10% of your pension pot in one go. We call this a ‘lump sum’. After the House of Representatives, the Senate also adopted - in June 2026 - the Act that makes this possible. 

This is how it works:

  • You may withdraw a maximum of 10% of your pension in one go. In principle, you can only do so when you retire. 
  • You can also withdraw a smaller portion. For example, 5 percent or a particular amount.
  • You may spend the amount any way you want.
  • The remaining pension may not be less than approximately EUR 700 gross per year.
  • If you choose to withdraw an amount in one go, you cannot choose to receive a higher pension in the first few years and then a lower pension for the rest of your life. Nor can you choose to receive a temporarily higher pension to cover the period up to your state pension age.

Hold your horses

The lump sum will be available from 1 January 2029. This means that if you retire before that time, this option will not be available at that time.   

Advantages and disadvantages

If you opt for a lump sum, you are free to decide what you are spending this money on. For example, you can redeem part of your mortgage debt, pay for a renovation, make a trip or pay for a study. The money comes from your own pension pot. This means that you will receive a lower pension for the rest of your life. Think carefully about whether you can make use of this lower pension. Remember that prices are rising and life is getting more expensive. 

It is also worth paying attention to the tax you’ll be paying. Receiving an amount in one go may put you in a higher tax bracket that year. And if you retire before your state pension age, you will pay more tax than if you retire after your state pension age. Including on the lump sum. Good to know: You can postpone the payment of the lump sum until January of the year after your state pension starts. However, this is only possible if you start your pension at the same time as your state pension. 

If you are entitled to any allowance, such as healthcare allowance or rent allowance, because of the lump sum, you may temporarily receive a lower allowance or no allowance at all. This is because your income will be higher for one year. For more information about taxes and allowances, please visit the Tax and Customs Administration website. 

Calculations not yet possible

At the moment, we cannot calculate how much money you can withdraw in one go. Nor will the pension planner tell you how much pension you will receive later if you choose to withdraw the lump sum. You will hear from us as soon as this is possible. In the meantime, take a look at the choices you have now when you retire.