AOW Gap for Expats and Remigrants in Rotterdam

Expats and remigrants in Rotterdam often face an AOW gap due to years abroad without paying Dutch premiums. AOW accrues based on years of residence, not just work. Upon return to the port city, you can voluntarily insure for periods prior to emigration, provided it is within the deadlines. EU rules (Regulation 883/2004) count years of residence in other EU countries, but not outside without a bilateral treaty. For non-EU countries, pro rata offsetting applies. The SVB verifies via international treaties. Practical example: a Rotterdam expat from the US with 20 Dutch years of residence receives 40% AOW; voluntary insurance fills up to 100%. Costs are higher for older applicants due to premium accrual. In Rotterdam, with its large international port and expat community in neighborhoods like Kralingen and Erasmus University, many seafarers and port workers report this issue. Important: report emigration and remigration timely to SVB to preserve rights – ideally via the Rotterdam SVB office. Tax benefit via box 1 deduction. Advice: check your AOW accrual via mijn.svb.nl and fill gaps before AOW age, especially if returning to Rotterdam-South or the Maas skyline.