Copy IRENE SCHOEMAKERS Photography SHELL | 4 minutes
The Dutch pension rules are changing. Are you considering retiring? Then it's important to decide whether you want to do so before or after the transition to your new pension scheme. This article outlines what’s changing, what it means for you, and the options available based on your personal situation.
Retiring before or after the transition? Here's what changes at SNPS
The government has introduced new pension rules. As a result, your new pension scheme is expected to start on 1 January 2026. Since SNPS already operates largely in line with these new rules, most things will stay the same. However, especially if you work at Shell, it can make a difference whether you retire before or after the transition. Here are the main points to consider.
Do you work at Shell? Then your employer's contributions will be the same each year under the new scheme
Currently, Shell contributes more as you get older. Under the new rules, Shell will contribute 21% of your pension base regardless of your age. You will also contribute yourself. The default contribution rate is set at 7% of which 2% is mandatory. However, in your new scheme, you can choose and adjust how much you want to contribute to your pension, from 2% to a maximum of 9%. This change may work to your advantage or disadvantage.
If the change results in a disadvantage for you, Shell will provide financial compensation
Your entitlement and the amount are determined based on your year of birth. If you are entitled to compensation, Shell HR will notify you before the end of the year. If you are still employed by Shell on or after 1 January 2026 and you’re entitled to compensation, you will receive a monthly amount on top of your salary. You may use this amount for your pension, although you are not required to.
Planning to retire before 2026? Then you won’t receive compensation
If you are employed by Shell and retire before 1 January 2026, you won’t receive compensation. Do you want to receive compensation? Then you may want to consider postponing your retirement. In that case, a monthly compensation will be added to your salary. Please note: compensation ends no later than your 68th birthday. If you leave Shell earlier, compensation will also stop.
Want to see what your compensation could be if you keep working?
Use the online pension tool. It gives you a simple, personalised estimate of the additional amount you could receive. This helps you understand your situation and decide whether postponing retirement is worthwhile.
How does it work?
Log in with the personal code you received by email from Shell Pension.
Want to retire at 55? Submit your request before 1 October 2025
It’s currently still possible to retire from the age of 55. As of 1 January 2026, this changes. From that date, you can only start receiving pension a maximum of 10 years before the statutory retirement age applicable at the time. In 2026, that means from age 57. Want to make use of the current option? Then submit your request before 1 October 2025 via my-Shell pension.
Need help with your decision? We are here to support you
Considering retirement but want to understand your options first? Shell Pension, together with Prikkl, offers free guidance – even if you live abroad. During a personal consultation, you will gain insight into your possibilities and which choices best suit your situation. Planning a session via Prikkl.
Key considerations summarised:
Do you work at Shell and are you thinking about retiring?
Then it’s important to decide when to apply for your pension. Below, we’ve listed the key considerations for you.
IMPORTANT:
Do you want to retire before the age of 57? Then submit your application before 1 October 2025 via mijn-Shellpensioen.
Have you worked at Shell and are you thinking about retiring?
Then it’s important to decide when to apply for your pension. Below, we’ve listed the key considerations for you.
IMPORTANT:
Do you want to retire before the age of 57? Then submit your application before 1 October 2025 via mijn-Shellpensioen.
