The 3rd pillar (pillar 3a)
Pillar 3a supplements the AHV/AVS and the pension fund. Each payment is deductible from taxable income, up to a ceiling set every year.
Updated on 23.09.2026 · Official sources cited
7'258 CHF2026 ceiling, employees with a pension fund
36'288 CHF2026 ceiling, self-employed without a pension fund
Who can contribute
Anyone with gainful employment subject to AHV/AVS in Switzerland. Self-employed people without a pension fund can pay in up to 20% of their earned income, up to the ceiling.
Bank or insurance
- Bank 3a: flexible, free payments, option to invest in funds. No cover in case of death or disability.
- Insurance 3a: savings combined with death and disability cover, with premium waiver in case of disability. A long-term commitment: early cancellation can be expensive.
When you can get the money
- At the earliest five years before the reference retirement age
- To buy or pay down your main home
- To become self-employed
- If you leave Switzerland for good, or in case of disability
Withdrawals are taxed separately at a reduced rate. Spreading your 3a across several accounts lets you stagger withdrawals.
Good to know
Payments must be made before 31 December to be deducted from that year's taxes. Since 2025, under certain conditions, you can make up for years without payments.