Application Deadline for Healthcare Allowance (Zorgtoeslag) 2025 Extended Until End of 2026
People who still need to apply for the Dutch healthcare allowance (zorgtoeslag) for 2025 will now have more time to do so. The deadline for submitting a retroactive application has been extended from 1 September to 31 December of the following year. The change gives applicants additional time to accurately estimate their income and claim […]
Germany Introduces Contribution Surcharge for Familienversicherung from 2028
Insured spouses in Familienversicherung will have to pay more in the future Under the GKV-Beitragssatzstabilisierungsgesetz, a new contribution surcharge (Beitragszuschlag) for spouses and registered partners covered through the German Familienversicherung will be introduced from 1 january 2028. In the future a surcharge of 2.5 percentage points will be levied on the member’s contributable income if […]
Moving Abroad? What is the RNI and Why is Correct Registration Important? – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The Registration of Non-Residents (Registratie Niet-Ingezetenen, RNI) is intended for people who do not live in the Netherlands but who have or have had contact with the Dutch government. This includes, for example, people who work temporarily in the Netherlands, have previously worked there, study there, or receive a Dutch pension. Why is registration in the RNI important? Registration […]
Changes in Belgium from 1 August 2026
As of 1 August 2026, several important changes to Belgian employment law will come into effect. Most notably, the notice period during the first six months of an employment contract will be shortened, and the statutory minimum wage will increase. Shorter notice period during the first six months For employment contracts that start on or […]
Important change to the right to health insurance via the CAK
The CAK has announced that, as of 1 November, the group of people eligible for health insurance through the CAK will be reduced. The final decision on this will be made at the end of September. Current situation At present, people who live in an EU country and receive only an (early) pension or benefit […]
Changes to statutory amounts as of 1 July 2026
On 1 July 2026, several statutory amounts will be adjusted in both the Netherlands and Germany. Minimum wage in the Netherlands The statutory minimum hourly wage for employees aged 21 and over will increase to € 14.99. Child benefit in the Netherlands The amount of Dutch child benefit (kinderbijslag) will be adjusted. The following amounts will apply from 1 July 2026: Child from 0 to 5 years: € 298.40 Child from 6 to 11 years: € 362.35 Child from 12 to 17 years: € 426.29 AOW (Dutch state pension) The AOW benefits (basic state pension) will also be adjusted in line with price and wage developments. The following monthly amounts will apply from July 2026: Single person: € 1,662.16 Cohabiting/married persons: € 1,139.39 German pension On 1 July 2026, German pensions will increase by 4.24%. […]
Belgian pension reform passed: Here’s what’s changing
The Belgian pension reform has been passed. The federal government has finalised its pension reform, and the new Pensions Act was passed by Parliament at the end of May 2026 and published in the Belgian Official Gazette. Through the Belgian pension reform, the government aims to encourage people to remain in the labour market for […]
Opgaaf wereldinkomen (Worldwide income return, NL) – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
The deadline for submitting details of your worldwide income return in the Netherlands is approaching. People living in Germany or Belgium who receive Dutch means-tested benefits (e.g. Zorgtoeslag) or who pay the ‘contribution from abroad’ for the Dutch health insurance to the CAK (Dutch Social Insurance Agency) must declare their Worldwide income return (Opgaaf wereldinkomen) […]
German statutory pensions in the Netherlands: Tax ruling issued – implementation still pending
Ruling by the Hoge Raad On 19 June 2026, the Hoge Raad (the Dutch Supreme Court) handed down a ruling on the taxation of German old-age pensions in the Netherlands. The ruling focuses in particular on pensions with a gross annual amount of less than 15,000 euros. It primarily affects pensioners living in the Netherlands […]
Bundesrat approves new basic income scheme – reform of the Bürgergeld adopted
The Bundesrat (Federal Council, ‘Upper House’) has approved the far-reaching reform of the current social assistance system, the Bürgergeld scheme, thereby paving the way for the introduction of a new basic income for jobseekers (Grundsicherung für Arbeitssuchende). The new scheme is based on a law passed by the Bundesregierung (German government) and is intended to […]