Consultancy

Gielink advices clients about the legal and tax aspects of collective pension schemes in transition, and about solutions for issues concerning existing schemes.

Gielink also focuses on new developments in the Dutch pension system, such as the introduction of the Premium Pension Institute (PPI), and the General Pension Fund (APF). Gielink also advises clients regarding the consequences of the frequent changes to pensions legislation in the Netherlands, such as revisions to the rules governing the taxation of pensions carried out in 2014, 2015 and 2018, and also with regard to increased flexibility in the regime that applies to defined-contribution pension schemes and the many changes of the Pension Act. Gielink also focuses on new developments in the Dutch pension system, such as the system change that has been introduced as a result of the Pension Deal that has been closed on 5 June 2019 by social partners and government.

The Dutch Pension Reform Act (‘WTP’) entered into force as per 1 July 2023. Social partners, pension funds and other pension providers in the years to come will have to agree on, establish and communicate the reforms phase by phase. Gielink advises pension carriers, employers and Works Councils on the radical impact of the legal and tax reforms. On 31 March 2022 Gielink was one of the speakers at a webinar on the subject of the WTP (refer to tab Meetings).

Gielink’s advisory services covers cross-border pension issues. In addition, Gielink possesses specialist expertise in pension executed by European Pension Funds, such as a Belgian Organisation for the Financing of Pensions (OFP) and pension solutions for employees working abroad. If necessary, this takes place in collaboration with local pension specialists abroad.

Although the emphasis lies on advice and seeking solutions outside the courtroom, Gielink is also in a position to assist clients with legal and tax proceedings and other forms of dispute resolution.