Proof of life for AOW Pension

If you live abroad and receive Dutch state pension (AOW), the Social Insurance Bank (SVB) may ask you for proof of life.

You can provide this easily using an app. If you use the app, you do not have to complete a form on paper. If you’re not able to submit proof of life via the app, fill in the life certificate form, have it signed and stamped and return it to the SVB.

You will not receive a letter asking you for proof of life every year. If you have not received a letter, you do not need to take any action.

Other names for proof of life are certificate of life, proof of life declaration, proof of life certificate.

How do I submit proof of life to the SVB using the app?

You can submit proof of life via an app on your smartphone or tablet.

What do I need?

To submit proof of life, you will need the following:

the letter with a QR code from the SVB;
a smartphone or tablet with an NFC reader and an internet connection;
a valid identity document with an NFC chip (passport, ID card or a Dutch driving licence).

If you do not have a smartphone yourself, you can use someone else’s phone. After you have submitted your proof of life and closed the app, no personal data will be left on the phone.

What do I need to do?

You will receive a life certificate form with a QR code from the SVB by post or digitally via the MijnOverheid Berichtenbox (Message Box).
If you have a partner, the letter will also contain a QR code for your partner.
Scan the QR code with a smartphone.
You will be taken automatically to the app store where you can download the Digidentity Wallet. Open the app. You will see the SVB logo and a brief explanation.
The app will show you what to do step by step:
- First scan your valid passport, ID card or Dutch driving licence.
- Then take a photo and a short video of your face.
- If this was successful a green tick will appear.
- If you see ‘Document succesvol geüpload’ (Document successfully uploaded) you can download a report.
  Do this immediately. You cannot download a report after submitting your proof of life.
- Tap ‘Next’ to finish.

What should I do if submitting proof of life via the app fails?

If you’re not able to submit proof of life via the app, you can fill in the life certificate form on paper. You must get this form signed by an official organisation and return it to the SVB. Find out below how to do that.

The SVB may will send you a life certificate form by post or digitally via your MijnOverheid Berichtenbox (Message Box) that you must:

fill in
having officially signed
return to the SVB by post or upload online via My SVB (information in Dutch).

Having the form signed

When you have completed the SVB form it must be officially signed. The form will explain who you can ask to sign it. You must visit that organisation in person.

You can go to:

the Dutch embassy or consulate-general if you are a Dutch national;
the SVB office at the embassy in Ankara, Madrid, Paramaribo or Rabat. You can also go to these offices if you or your partner is not a Dutch national.

If there are other options specified on the form, such as a notary, you can go there too. Be aware that you may need to have the form translated and legalised, which costs money.

Returning the form to the SVB

When your completed life certificate form has been signed, you must submit it and any supporting documents to the SVB.

There are two options:

upload the form in MySVB (information in Dutch) using your DigiD or a recognised form of eID from another European country;
send the form to: SVB, Postbus 18002, 3501 CA Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Contact

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.