Private pensions

In Switzerland, private pension provision complements the benefits of the 1^st and 2^nd pillars. It comes in two forms:

Flexible private provision (Pillar 3b)

Flexible private provision allows you to save freely, without specific tax incentives. You can invest your money in various products such as life insurance or financial investments, and access your capital as needed.

This option offers a high degree of freedom but does not provide national tax benefits, except for certain cantonal exceptions.

Ted private provision (Pillar 3a)

Pillar 3a is designed for retirement planning and offers significant tax advantages: contributions are tax‑deductible up to a legally defined annual limit.

Self‑employed workers who are not affiliated with an occupational pension plan (2^nd pillar) may deduct a higher amount than employees, helping them compensate for the absence of a pension fund.

Withdrawals from Pillar 3a are subject to strict rules:

• they are allowed no earlier than five years before the statutory retirement age and no later than five years after;

• early withdrawals are only possible in specific situations:

  • purchase or construction of your primary residence,

  • starting a recognised self‑employed activity,

  • permanent departure from Switzerland,

  • disability.

The benefits of a 3A private pension include tax savings, retirement security, and the ability to plan your financial future more flexibly.

No. You cannot freely withdraw the funds from your 3a account at any time.

Withdrawals are only permitted in specific situations, such as:

• retirement (or up to five years before the statutory retirement age),

• purchasing or building your primary residence,

• permanently leaving Switzerland,

• starting a recognised self‑employed activity,

• or in the event of disability.

Even if you are already covered by the OASI and the 2^nd pillar, opening a 3a account can still be highly beneficial. It allows you to:

• increase your retirement savings and strengthen your long‑term financial security,

• benefit from additional tax advantages, since 3a contributions are tax‑deductible,

• build solid retirement protection if you plan to become self‑employed and will no longer be affiliated with a pension fund.

Yes. You can invest the assets in your 3A account. Depending on your provider, you may choose from various options such as investment funds, equity or bond‑based strategies, or a more traditional savings account. These investment solutions allow you to grow your retirement savings according to your risk profile.​‌