The Netherlands is poised to implement a substantial reduction in the maximum asset threshold for receiving healthcare allowances, which will particularly affect Moroccan expatriates. Starting January 1, 2027, the value of a house, apartment, or land owned in Morocco could result in a loss of up to €3,223 in benefits throughout the year for many individuals. Under the new regulations, the asset limit for a single person will decrease from €146,011 in 2026 to €119,122 in 2027, while for couples, the threshold will drop from €184,633 to €158,748.
Approximately 40,000 households are expected to lose their entire "zorgtoeslag," the Dutch financial support aimed at helping with health insurance payments. According to calculations from Zorgwijzer, the financial impact could amount to around €1,680 annually for single individuals and €3,223 for couples. This new measure directly affects Moroccan nationals living in the Netherlands who own property in their home country, as the Dutch tax authorities take into account not only the money deposited in Dutch bank accounts but also the value of secondary residences, apartments, land, or shares in family properties located in Morocco.
The Dutch benefits service clarifies that assets are calculated based on the value of properties minus allowable debts. Savings, stocks, and secondary residences both in the Netherlands and abroad are included in this calculation, while primary residences in the Netherlands and vehicles are excluded.
The Critical Date of January 1
It is important to note that the value of the Moroccan property will not automatically lead to the elimination of the healthcare allowance. However, it could contribute to surpassing the new threshold when combined with other assets such as savings and investments. January 1, 2027, will be a pivotal date; households whose assets exceed the ceiling on that date will lose their healthcare allowance for the entire year, regardless of any subsequent changes in their financial situation. Income is not the only determining factor; even individuals with modest earnings may find themselves ineligible for assistance due to their asset holdings.
For Moroccan expatriates, complications may arise if they co-own property. A share in a family house or land in Morocco could be included in their asset calculations if it holds a value attributable to the owner. Furthermore, Dutch authorities have procedures in place to investigate assets owned in Morocco.
The government has legally mandated a decrease of €29,908 in the asset threshold, although the actual effect will be slightly less than this due to prior indexing—resulting in a reduction of €26,889 for single individuals and €25,885 for couples.
In total, it is estimated that around 50,000 households will lose at least one type of benefit due to this reform. This figure encompasses two distinct programs, with nearly 40,000 households losing their healthcare allowance and an additional 8,000 to 13,000 potentially losing child-related budgets. The legislation passed through the Dutch House of Representatives on September 17 without any calls for debate and still requires approval from the Senate before it can take effect. Should it be finalized, affected Moroccan expatriates will need to be aware of the assessed value of their properties in Morocco by January 1 to avoid receiving assistance that they might later have to repay.
As reported by bladi.net.
