As an entrepreneur, you don’t build up a pension the way employees do through an employer. Pension Investing, as the name suggests, means investing for your retirement. You deposit money into a Pension Investing account whenever and however you want. Your contributions are locked in until the payout date, but in return you may benefit from tax advantages. For example, you can deduct your contributions from your taxable income in Box 1. The maximum deductible amount depends on your annual allowance and/or reserve allowance. Pension Investing is linked to your personal ING current account. On this page, you can learn more about how annual allowance and tax benefits work.
"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":""},"video":{"type":"video","originalUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/m/227eaed8abe4fb55/original/Pensioenbeleggen-wat-is-pensioenbeleggen.mp4","videoPreviewURLs":["https://assets.ing.com/asset/d299ba71-56e0-4167-85ac-db9a1e342bbc/720p/Pensioenbeleggen-wat-is-pensioenbeleggen.mp4","https://assets.ing.com/asset/d299ba71-56e0-4167-85ac-db9a1e342bbc/480p/Pensioenbeleggen-wat-is-pensioenbeleggen.mp4","https://assets.ing.com/asset/d299ba71-56e0-4167-85ac-db9a1e342bbc/mp4/Pensioenbeleggen-wat-is-pensioenbeleggen.mp4","https://assets.ing.com/asset/d299ba71-56e0-4167-85ac-db9a1e342bbc/1080p/Pensioenbeleggen-wat-is-pensioenbeleggen.mp4"],"thumbnails":{"mini":"https://assets.ing.com/m/227eaed8abe4fb55/mini-Pensioenbeleggen-wat-is-pensioenbeleggen.jpg","webimage":"https://assets.ing.com/m/227eaed8abe4fb55/webimage-Pensioenbeleggen-wat-is-pensioenbeleggen.jpg","thul":"https://assets.ing.com/m/227eaed8abe4fb55/thul-Pensioenbeleggen-wat-is-pensioenbeleggen.jpg"},"extension":["mp4"]}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"What is a pension gap or shortfall?","richBody":{"value":"A pension gap occurs when your retirement income is lower than what you could build up with tax benefits. This gap can arise due to part-time work, self-employment without pension contributions, changing employers, or periods without work. In practice, we speak of a pension gap when your retirement income is less than 70% of your last earned salary.
"}}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"How does Pension Investing for entrepreneurs and the self-employed work at ING?"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"You choose from different investment profiles tailored to your situation and risk appetite. These profiles range from very defensive (lower risk) to very offensive (higher risk). Want more certainty as your retirement date approaches? You can easily adjust your risk level—or opt for automatic risk reduction as you get closer to retirement.
Use our tool below to check your annual allowance, see if you have a pension gap, and discover the benefits of Pension Investing—now and later.
"}},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"What are your pension options?","intro":"Check them online now","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/cb036cd2-83af-411c-8268-790f7d7a08bf/Calculator_outline_orange_RGB","type":"image","width":267,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/1cb0c4cc109bc825/original/Calculator_outline_orange_RGB.png","extension":"png"},"link":{"url":"https://mijn.ing.nl/investments/pension-hub"}}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Key features of ING Pension Investing for entrepreneurs and the self-employed"},{"componentType":"productFeatures","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/b13977b3-a569-480d-a09b-1ac12610f973/invest-app-hand-mobile-device","type":"image","width":2475,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/7ac0a18188b9fa76/original/invest-app-hand-mobile-device.png","extension":"png"},"highlighted":false,"items":[{"body":"Your contributions are often deductible in your income tax return. This means you pay less tax or receive a higher refund from the tax authorities. In addition, you don’t pay wealth tax on the amount in your Pension Investing account.","title":"Tax benefits when building your pension"},{"body":"You invest for your pension and can have the accumulated capital paid out up to 5 years after your state pension age. Until then, it is (in principle) locked. Early withdrawal in one lump sum is possible, but income tax and a penalty interest of up to 20% apply. You decide when to contribute: monthly, annually, or one-off. There is a maximum amount you can invest with tax benefits—this is called your annual allowance.","title":"Flexible contributions, locked until retirement age"},{"body":"Select one of five ING Select Index Funds. This lets you decide how much risk you want to take—from very defensive to very offensive—and adjust it as your situation changes.","title":"Choose your own funds and risk profile"}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"More about pension for entrepreneurs"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Want to learn more about how pensions work for entrepreneurs? Explore these topics:
Tip: Want insight into your current situation and what Pension Investing can mean for you?
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"https://mijn.ing.nl/investments/pension-hub","text":"Check it out here"}]},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Saving or investing","intro":"You can save for your pension—but have you considered investing? It’s a way to supplement your pension with tax benefits.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/dae6fb62-fa7b-4e53-8732-c9a02be3495b/hands-mobile-phones-coins","type":"image","width":0,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/6b0eb221d46f1685/original/hands-mobile-phones-coins.svg","extension":"svg"},"link":{"url":"/en/business/pension/saving-vs-investing"}},{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Tax benefits and annual allowance","intro":"In addition to building something for later, you can benefit from tax advantages. Calculate your annual allowance easily and without obligation.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/7ab11ed4-5714-4844-a6d8-c5abccf116df/blue-tax-envelope-euro-coins","type":"image","width":0,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/7c70347051a6f3b1/original/blue-tax-envelope-euro-coins.svg","extension":"svg"},"link":{"url":"/en/business/pension/tax-benefit-annual-allowance"}},{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"State pension (AOW) & pension overview","intro":"As an entrepreneur, you’re responsible for your own pension. Here’s how to quickly get an overview of your pension and state pension (AOW).","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/31406a1a-1b37-4da5-a35e-83145ff8eaf6/Form-pencil-checkmark","type":"image","width":480,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/7253a8ecd6ee7d47/original/Form-pencil-checkmark.png","extension":"png"},"link":{"url":"/en/business/pension/insight-aow-for-entrepreneurs"}},{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"small","title":"Pension investing on the personal website","intro":"Learn more about Pension Investing and discover your options.","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/c0506c4b-3cd3-44d8-9831-c107778e464c/Man-relaxing-spot","type":"image","width":334,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/45fc16c4df35fdf7/original/Man-relaxing-spot.png","extension":"png"},"link":{"url":"/en/personal/investing/investments-at-ing/pension-investing"}}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"How to start Pension Investing with ING as an entrepreneur or self-employed professional"},{"componentType":"applicationProcess","steps":{"stepList":[{"title":"Calculate your annual allowance","body":"Use the pension check to see your annual allowance, pension gap, and potential returns. You can also calculate your tax-free contribution via belastingdienst.nl.","textLink":{"url":"https://mijn.ing.nl/investments/pension-hub","text":"Pension check"}},{"title":"Make sure you have a personal ING current account","body":"Don’t have one yet? You can open it easily.","textLink":{"url":"/en/personal/payments/bank-accounts/open-an-account","text":"Learn how to open an account"}},{"title":"Go to your personal ING App","body":"Open your Pension Investing account there."},{"title":"Choose your investment fund and start investing","body":"Select one of the five ING Select Index Funds and start investing in your Pension Investing account. You can also set up automatic risk adjustment—your risk level will gradually decrease as your retirement date approaches. Decide how often and when you contribute: monthly, annually, or one-off.","textLink":{"url":"https://mijn.ing.nl/investments/500/onboarding","text":"Open Pension Investing account (personal)"}}]}},{"componentType":"cta","microCopy":"Log in with your personal account","textLink":{"url":"https://mijn.ing.nl/investments/500/onboarding","text":"Open Pension Investing account"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Pension Investing for entrepreneurs: your way"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"At ING, you invest in one of our five funds. Each fund has its own mix of shares and bonds. Bonds generally carry less risk than shares, but returns are usually lower. You choose the fund that suits you best. You can change it later and even opt for automatic risk reduction as your retirement date approaches. This way, your investment risk gradually decreases towards retirement.
"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/personal/investing/investments-at-ing/pension-investing","text":"More information about our funds, automatic risk reduction, and risk profiles"}]},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Good to know"},{"componentType":"cards"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"Investing involves risks and costs. The value you build up for your pension cannot be guaranteed in advance and depends on investment results, which may be better or worse than expected. You could lose your contributions or part of them.
"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Frequently asked questions about ING Pension Investing for entrepreneurs and the self-employed"},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Who is ING Pension Investing for?","richBody":{"value":"Do you expect your state pension (AOW) and any employer pension won’t be enough for a comfortable retirement? Then Pension Investing can be a smart way to fill that gap. It’s interesting for anyone who wants to build extra pension savings. For freelancers and entrepreneurs, it’s even more relevant because they don’t automatically build up a pension through an employer.
"}},{"title":"What is the payout period before state pension (AOW) age?","richBody":{"value":"If you want your payments to start before your AOW age, your annuity must run for at least 20 years plus the number of full years until your AOW age.
"}},{"title":"What is the payout period after state pension (AOW) age?","richBody":{"value":"You can have your pension paid out up to five years after your AOW age. The payout period is at least 5 years and up to 20 years, depending on the amount. This gives you extra monthly income alongside your AOW and any other pension.
"}},{"title":"Can I withdraw my pension money early?","richBody":{"value":"Although it’s possible to withdraw your pension investments (annuity) in one lump sum, this is not the intention. The government discourages this. You’ll pay income tax and an extra penalty of up to 20% (revisierente) on the amount. However, in case of disability, you may withdraw part of your savings (in 2025 up to €50,664) without paying the penalty. Contact ING for a detailed calculation.
"}},{"title":"Can I temporarily stop contributing?","richBody":{"value":"Yes. You decide when to contribute to your Pension Investing account. If you have less financial room, you can pause without ING’s involvement. You can resume contributions anytime—flexibly and without obligations.
"}},{"title":"How much should I invest for my pension as an entrepreneur or self-employed?","richBody":{"value":"That depends on your personal situation: your current age, the age you want payouts to start, your expected expenses after retirement, and other income sources like AOW. As an entrepreneur, you don’t automatically build up a pension, so it’s extra important to get insight into your pension savings.
A common guideline: your pension income should be about 70% of your last earned income to maintain your lifestyle. How much you can invest with tax benefits depends on your annual allowance and possibly your reserve allowance.
Want to know how much you need to invest to reach your desired pension? Check your annual allowance, pension gap, and benefits online via the pension check.
Note: Make sure to contribute before December 31 of that year to benefit from tax advantages.
"}},{"title":"Which funds can I invest in with pension investing?","richBody":{"value":"You can choose from these options, ranging from very defensive to very offensive:
Use the pension check to get instant insight into your annual allowance, pension gap, and what Pension Investing can mean for you—now and later. You’ll need your annual statement and Uniform Pension Overview (UPO). Your accountant or tax advisor can also help.
"}},{"title":"What happens if I pass away?","richBody":{"value":"After receiving proof of death, we pay out your pension investments to your heirs.
"}}]},{"componentType":"linkList","componentStyle":"default","iconTitle":{"icon":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/81a83dbb-cb7f-42a3-a84a-d27be777f552/img_icon-lightbulb","type":"image","width":160,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/7270c243d1058b5f/original/img_icon-lightbulb.png","extension":"png"},"title":"Also interesting for you"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/business/investments","text":"Everything about investing (Dutch only)"},{"url":"/zakelijk/beleggen/eenvoudig-beleggen-voor-zakelijke-klanten","text":"Easy Investing for business (Dutch only)"},{"url":"/zakelijk/beleggen/zelf-op-de-beurs-beleggen-voor-zakelijke-klanten","text":"Stock market investing for entrepreneurs (Dutch only)"},{"url":"/en/business/investments/portfolio-management","text":"Portfolio management for business customers"}]}]},"complementaryZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Our other investment options"},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"medium","title":"Easy Invest","intro":"The ready-made solution: no hassle, no worries","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/8973596b-41b0-4200-ab06-dc1fa294d335/Portrait-of-happy-young-man-sitting-at-table-making-pottery","type":"image","width":5700,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/20b8d5c497d52ffc/original/Portrait-of-happy-young-man-sitting-at-table-making-pottery.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"link":{"url":"/en/business/investments/easy-invest"},"checkMarkList":["Popular with beginners (many customers start every week)","If sustainability matters to you too","You can start with small amounts"]},{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"medium","title":"Self Invest","intro":"Buy and sell independently","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/2be6815b-5986-4571-995e-4ec81723aeee/A-young-girl-hugs-her-father-who-is-repairing-the-wheel-of-her-bike","type":"image","width":1920,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/598ce9d65c61852c/original/A-young-girl-hugs-her-father-who-is-repairing-the-wheel-of-her-bike.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"link":{"url":"/en/business/investments/self-invest"},"checkMarkList":["No transaction fees for online buying and selling of funds and ETFs","Trade globally straight from the investment app","Access insights from the ING Investment Office"]},{"componentType":"productCard","cardType":"product","cardSize":"medium","title":"Portfolio Management","intro":"Guided by an advisor","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/977c707e-4707-4239-bb70-785c84b52799/A-young-man-sits-at-a-table-with-a-television-behind-him-on-which-the-camera-flash-is-reflected","type":"image","width":5616,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/6a744e712e13b63f/original/A-young-man-sits-at-a-table-with-a-television-behind-him-on-which-the-camera-flash-is-reflected.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"link":{"url":"/en/business/investments/portfolio-management"},"checkMarkList":["Possible from € 50.000","5 different investment strategies","Free introductory video call"]}]}]},"legalZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"🛈 We offer the English information on ING.nl as an additional service. This information was translated from Dutch, and in case of any inconsistency, the original Dutch text shall prevail.
"}}]}}}