Dutch pensioners can look forward to extra income in the new year. With many pension funds in a healthy financial position, there is room to increase payouts. The outlook is particularly favorable for the construction and metal industries. But how much money are we talking about, and what does this mean for current workers and retirees?
PME Increase #
Next year, the pension fund for the metal industry (PME) will increase pensions by 2.82%. Last year, the increase was just 0.3%. Someone receiving a €2,000 monthly pension in 2025 will therefore see an increase of about €56 in 2026. The expected pension for current workers will also rise by the same percentage.
Pension funds are only allowed to increase pensions if they are in a strong financial position. This is measured by the coverage ratio, which compares current assets to future payouts. In October 2025, PME’s ratio stood at over 125%, well above the required 110%. This is why the fund decided to raise pensions.
The increase exceeds last year’s inflation rate, according to figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). This marks the fifth consecutive year the fund has raised pensions. Well-known companies from the metal and technology sector affiliated with this fund include ASML, DAF, NXP, and VDL. In total, the fund covers approximately 600,000 workers and retirees.
bpfBouw Increase #
The pension fund for the construction sector, known as bpfBouw, is also in good shape. A spokesperson for the fund has stated that pension payouts will be higher next year than this year. The expected future pensions for current workers will also increase.
This fund will transition to the new pension system in 2026, where everyone will have a personal pension pot. Therefore, the exact figures are not yet known. The fund’s 750,000 participants will receive a letter in the coming weeks with their preliminary pension amount.
The New Pension System #
By 2028, all pension funds must have switched to the new system. This will require significant administration, as each pension will need to be calculated individually. This is why many funds, like the ABP (civil servants’ fund), will make the transition later.
Under the new system, the value of pensions will be more closely linked to stock market returns.
Many funds are doing well, with their pots well-filled. For instance, the pension fund for healthcare workers will pay out 7% more to its approximately 3 million participants next year.