Is pension treated in the same way as social security?

It depends. In some countries pension is part of the system of social security. In others, like The Netherlands, it is not. Focusing on the Netherlands, the company pension is part of the labour conditions and the state pension (“AOW”) is part of the social security system. The state pension part, therefore, is arranged in the EU treaty or bi-lateral agreements. The company pension is not. It is crucial to check the existing company pension agreement of the employer with the pension company. And if it is possible to maintain the accrual of pension entitlements during an international assignment of any nature.