Simulate your Belgian pension saving
The Belgian pension saving scheme is a popular way for Belgians to save for their pension. Its main attraction is the tax advantage, where you can earn part of your contributions back as a tax rebate.
Unfortunately, it’s not all as rosy as it seems. Use this simulator to find out:
- 💰 How much you’re actually saving, and if it’s enough to sustain your life past retirement.
- 🏢 You pay a tax at age 60 that reduces much of the tax break.
- 💸 You pay hefty fees to the banks (which is probably why they like to sell these funds so much).
About the simulation
Historical returns
The simulation uses historical data to calculate the expected return of the pension funds, branch-21 insurances, and ETFs. The problem with historical data is that some funds have a longer history than others. For instance, Fintro Metropolitan-Rentastro Sustainable Growth started in 1987. But the data for a more recent fund like Crelan Pension Fund Sustainable Growth goes back to only 2015.
The longer the historical data, the more accurate we can estimate future returns. So that's why we only include funds with at least 15 years of historical data. As a consequence, we have to exclude some funds from the simulation:
- Belfius Pension Fund Balanced Plus (started in December 2012)
- Crelan Pension Fund Sustainable Growth (started in November 2015)
- Crelan Pension Fund Sustainable Balanced (started in November 2015)
- Crelan Pension Fund Sustainable Stability (started in November 2015)
Which fund is the best?
The Argenta Pension Fund has the highest returns by that measure. It has a long track record of delivering a good return. But return isn't the only consideration. Learn more on our list of best pension saving funds.
I have questions or feedback
In that case, please let us know by emailing us at help@curvo.eu. We'd love to hear from you!
About Belgian pension saving
How is pension saving taxed?
At age 60, you have to pay a end tax of 8% on your total savings.
Can I withdraw my pension saving fund?
Yes. But you have to pay a 33% penalty if you withdraw your savings before the age of 60. So it comes at a heavy cost! The goal of pension saving is that you don’t touch it before retirement.
How much can I contribute to my pension saving in 2024?
You can contribute up to €1,310 in 2024. You can choose to contribute the entire amount in one go, or spread out throughout the year.
How can I save more for my pension?
There are a couple of ways you can save more towards your pension:
- Save through the occupational pension ("aanvullend pensioen" or "pension complémentaire") through your employer.
- Save additional funds on your own by investing in ETFs.
Where can I learn more about the Belgian pension saving system?
A few words of caution: just because an investment did well in the past doesn't mean it'll do the same in the future. Historical performance and statistical projections like on this page may not reflect actual future performance. Investing always involves risk, and can result in losses.