Pillar 3a is a central element of Switzerland's private retirement provision. It serves to provide financial security in retirement, offers attractive tax advantages, and makes it possible to build wealth in a targeted way. In light of rising life expectancy and the financial challenges AHV and pension funds face, pillar 3a is becoming increasingly important to close gaps between the standard of living one is used to and the benefits of the 1st and 2nd pillar. Voluntary saving via pillar 3a ensures that you can enjoy retirement without significant financial worries.
cover only a basic income.
complements the 1st pillar, but often insufficiently to fully guarantee the standard of living one is used to.
is an opportunity to actively safeguard your future financially.
Contributions toward pillar 3a reduce taxable income.
Investments in funds or enhanced strategies compliant with the Ordinance on Occupational Retirement, Survivors' and Disability Pension Plans (BVV2).
Prior to retirement, pillar 3a savings can be used for home ownership, becoming self-employed, or emigrating.
Several 3a accounts or policies can be withdrawn in a staggered manner to avoid tax progression.
Bank solution:
smzh helps you find the solution that is right for you.
BVV2 extension options:
Contributions:
Capital from several 3a accounts or policies can be withdrawn in different years to minimize tax progression.
smzh helps you develop a tax-optimized withdrawal plan.
Home ownership: Early withdrawal for the sale or renovation of owner-occupied residential real estate.
Self-employment: Capital withdrawal to establish a company.
Emigration: Withdrawal in case of a permanent residential transfer abroad.
smzh supports you in examining all requirements and submitting the necessary applications.
Scenario: Regular contribution of CHF 6,000 a year toward a retirement fund with an average annual return of 4% in accordance with BVV2 growth strategies.
After 30 years, the saved capital amounts to some CHF 316,000 (incl. interest).
The compound interest effect ensures that a significant part of the capital is achieved by reinvesting returns.
smzh develops personalized calculations to highlight the potential of your contributions. Access our calculator here.
Learn why voluntary retirement savings are indispensable and pillar 3a provides a tax-advantaged way to save. Moreover, we explain practical steps to analyze your financial situation and determine savings targets and show you how to take account of key diversification aspects and risk assessment.
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"I got married but ensured my retirement provision myself anyway." Alf on retirement planning in self-employment.
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Your benefits with smzh for pillar 3a:
Use the advantages of pillar 3a with smzh – in a future-oriented, secure, and personalized way.
We handle questions such as those shown on the right on a daily basis. You don't need to deal with them by yourself – our 360° Check-Up is free of charge and non-binding.
The benefits of the 1st and 2nd pillar often cover only around 60% of your last income. Pillar 3a provides an additional source of income to maintain the standard of living you are used to even in retirement.
BVV2 extension options make it possible for fund providers to deviate from the standard investment guidelines, for instance by increasing the equity allocation to achieve better returns in the long term.
Regular investments in funds that reinvest returns create long-term growth. We can calculate the savings potential for your circumstances.
Pillar 3a combines tax advantages, targeted capital growth, and flexible investment opportunities, making it the ideal complement to the 1st and 2nd pillar.
For employees paying into a pension fund, the maximum amount in 2025 is CHF 7,258. Self-employed individuals with no pension fund may contribute up to 20% of their net income, or a maximum of CHF 36,288.
