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Retirement savings

3rd Pillar (3a) — Save tax, build wealth

Reduce your taxable income by up to CHF 36'288 per year. Free comparison of all Swiss providers (banks and insurance companies).

2026 Maximum Contributions

StatusMaximum amountTax saving (~30% rate)
Employed with 2nd pillar (LPP)CHF 7'258/year~CHF 2'177
Self-employed without LPP20% net AVS income, max CHF 36'288~CHF 10'886

2026 Reform: Retroactive Buy-back

Since January 1, 2026, you can retroactively contribute up to 10 missing years of 3a savings. Condition: current year's maximum already paid. Cumulative tax saving potential: CHF 50'000-70'000 depending on canton and income.

Bank vs Insurance

  • ✓
    Bank 3a (finpension, VIAC, Frankly)
    Low fees (0-0.4%), full flexibility, equity allocation 50-99% selectable. Ideal for retroactive buy-backs and high-LTV clients.
  • ✓
    Insurance 3a (AXA, Swiss Life, Pax, Generali)
    Death/disability protection included, capital guarantee, long-term commitment. Recommended for families with dependents.

For Expats: 3 Critical Decisions

  • 1
    Open early
    Even modest contributions in your first 2-3 Swiss years compound massively. Tax saving 25-40% immediately.
  • 2
    Split into multiple accounts
    3-5 separate 3a accounts let you stagger withdrawals at retirement, reducing capital tax 20-40%.
  • 3
    Plan exit scenarios
    If you leave Switzerland definitively, 3a is fully withdrawable. If you stay, withdrawal allowed 5 years before AVS retirement age, or earlier for primary residence purchase.