Starting in 2026, employees in physically demanding professions in the Netherlands will have the option to retire earlier with a more generous compensation. However, this new regulation does not apply to the self-employed (ZZP'ers), leaving many wondering about their options.
Self-employed individuals can choose to stop working before the official retirement age, but they need to fund this themselves since they do not automatically build up pension benefits. Experts advise that self-employed workers should proactively plan for their retirement by:
- Saving independently and creating financial buffers.
- Considering how long they can and want to continue in their current roles.
- Consulting with financial advisors to map out a feasible retirement plan.
Source: NOS Article