As a freelancer, you don't build up a pension through an employer. The responsibility lies entirely with yourself. Together with proper insurance coverage, pension building forms the foundation of your financial security. Fortunately, there are fiscally attractive options to save for your old age. In this guide, we explain everything about pension building as a self-employed person.
Why build a pension as a freelancer?
How much pension can you build tax-free?
Below you can see what this means at different income levels.
Annual allowance calculation examples 2026
Annual income
Minus franchise
Base amount
30% annual allowance
€30.000
-€19.172
€10.828
€3.248
€50.000
-€19.172
€30.828
€9.248
€75.000
-€19.172
€55.828
€16.748
€100.000
-€19.172
€80.828
€24.248
€137.800+
-€19.172
€118.628
€35.588-€36.000 (max)
Didn't use all your annual allowance in previous years? There is a catch-up option.
Pension options for freelancers
Bank savings
Safe saving with guaranteed payout
No risk, lower return
Investing
Higher expected return in the long term
More risk, potentially higher
Annuity insurance
Traditional insurance with guarantees
Certainty, less flexible
Comparison of pension products
Aspect
Bank savings
Investing
Insurance
Expected return
1-2% per year
4-7% per year
2-4% per year
Risk
None (up to €100k)
Market risk
Limited
Flexibility
High
High
Low
Costs
0.3-0.5%
0.5-1.5%
1-2%
Suitable for
55+ years
Up to 50 years
Security seeker
NEW: Critical Lijfrente Rules for 2026
How much should you save monthly?
Calculate savings target
Ledger/
Rekenvoorbeeld
Required capital€550.000
Years until pension25
Expected return5%
Monthly savings€1.100
Tax benefits of pension savings
Why Pension is MORE Important in 2026
Practical step-by-step plan for pension building
Checklist/
Start today with these steps
Best pension savings options 2026
For starters (< 40 years)
80% stocks, 20% bonds via index funds
Avg. 6-7% return
For 40-50 years
60% stocks, 40% bonds, lifecycle option
Balance risk/return
For 50+ years
30% stocks, 70% bonds or bank savings
Focus on security
For maximum benefit 2026
Combine annual allowance with reserve allowance + unused 2016 space
Up to €78,108+ deduction!
Frequently asked questions
What happens to my pension when I die?
With bank savings and investing, the capital goes to your heirs. With an annuity, it depends on the conditions - often you can insure a survivor's pension.
Can I access my pension money earlier?
Only in very limited cases such as disability. Otherwise you pay back the tax benefit received plus 20% revision interest. Very expensive!
Is pension saving mandatory for freelancers?
No, but without your own pension building you'll only have state pension later. That's insufficient for most people to get by. Make sure your hourly rate accounts for pension contributions.
