The number of Belgians securing a supplementary pension climbed by 4% in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA).
As of early 2023, approximately 4.3 million employees and self-employed individuals secured a supplementary pension, totalling around 83% of the active workforce.
The concept of a supplementary pension – referred to as the second pillar of pension – is an addition to the legal pension accrued throughout an individual's professional career, either as an employee, an independent, or both.
In 2023, accumulated pension entitlements amounted to almost €105 billion – a 3% increase from 2022. Broadly, 85% of affiliates secure pension rights as employees, 8% as self-employed and 7% as a combination of both.
In addition, the average reserved savings amount for individuals aged 55 to 64 – those nearing retirement age who have a supplementary pension – stood at €58,997, the FSMA further specified. This figure, however, conceals significant disparities, particularly between men (with average savings of €73,929) and women (€37,561).
