Inventory first
Not every self-employed person has only AOW. You may have previous employee pensions, voluntary participation or compulsory professional or sector coverage. Check this first. AOW depends on insured years and living arrangements; one general annual amount does not fit everyone.
Identify income, expenses, debts, partner cover and possible disability. Income-protection insurance and pension accrual are separate provisions. An announced legislative change is not automatically an insurance duty already in force.
Products and tax allowance
Annuity contributions are deductible only within conditions and available annual or unused allowance. An ordinary investment account is not a tax-qualified annuity. Assess costs, risks, access to money and payment rules together; bank saving is not always cheaper and insurance does not guarantee every desired result.
New pension accrual in your own company has not been possible since 1 July 2017. An existing ODV requires separate administration and is not a new general accrual route.
Choosing an adviser
Check the firm and relevant authorisation in the AFM register. A diploma or tax title alone does not establish permission for every product and service. Request written scope, fees, comparison coverage and explanations of ongoing service and complaints.
Use current quotations. There is no universal advice fee or guaranteed tax return that makes advice pay for itself for everyone. A suitable plan also accounts for an affordable reserve today.
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
Does every self-employed person have only AOW?
No. Previous rights and compulsory or voluntary participation can also matter.
Does advice always pay for itself?
No. Costs, results and suitability depend on the assignment and your circumstances.
Sources and reference date
Reference date: 28 October 2026. Check your own scheme and current conditions before deciding.