Salary ceiling and conditions
For 2026 the Tax Administration specifies €137,800 as the threshold above which exempt net pension or net annuity saving can be built up. This is not an exemption for any ordinary savings or investment account. Contributions and the product must satisfy the applicable tax conditions.
Employer-based net pension and a personal net annuity are different products. Ask exactly which arrangement is offered, whether you can participate and which limits apply. The existence of an ordinary collective pension scheme does not by itself mean every employer must also offer a net pension scheme.
Tax treatment
In a qualifying net arrangement, contributions are paid from net income and are not deductible as ordinary gross pension contributions. The balance may be exempt from box 3 if conditions are met. Payments have different tax treatment from an ordinary gross pension. Obtain confirmation for the specific product.
If conditions cease to be met, for example because of a prohibited change or excess contributions, the exemption can be lost and an additional levy can apply. Do not assume an unconditional tax-free savings account that can be withdrawn at any time.
Risk, costs and decisions
Check investment risk, administration charges, partner cover, access to money, payout conditions and the consequences of leaving employment. A box 3 exemption does not protect against loss or automatically make net pension more advantageous than saving or investing outside a pension.
Ask the administrator for current conditions and an explanation of the calculation. Personal product comparisons and recommendations should be handled by an appropriately authorised external adviser. Share financial information directly with that adviser.
What does BPH do?
Bureau Pensioen Hulp has no AFM licence. BPH provides general education and, on request, can introduce you to an external adviser using contact details only. BPH does not provide personal product recommendations, compare products for you or mediate in arranging them. Check an external adviser’s authorisation, services and fees yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Is every account above the salary ceiling exempt?
No. Only a qualifying arrangement and permitted contributions can qualify for the exemption.
Is net pension always better?
No. Costs, risk, tax circumstances and restrictions on access to the money all matter.
Sources and reference date
Reference date: 28 October 2026. Check your own scheme and current conditions before deciding.