What is it?

Turn your future rights into an income plan

Preparing retirement means estimating OASI, occupational pension, 3a, 3b, taxes and budget to know when to leave and with what income.

Mandatory?

OASI yes, occupational pension depending on salary, 3rd pillar no

The 1st pillar is mandatory. Occupational pension generally applies from CHF 22,680 of annual salary. 3a/3b remains a private choice.

Key point

The first two pillars are not always enough

Part-time work, high salary, mortgage, divorce or late arrival in Switzerland often create a gap to fill.

Retirement priorities

AHV and Occupational pension first, then 3a/3b by horizon.

  1. Lever 3a / 3b Close the income gap
  2. Check Occupational pension Gaps and possible buy-ins
  3. Base AHV + budget What you will really receive

Sustainable income, not only tax optimisation.

Where to start to prepare your retirement

The right question is not only “how much will I receive?”, but “how much will I be short each month to live as I wish?”. That gap depends on your costs, housing, health premiums, taxation and family situation.

Commencez par une estimation AVS, votre certificat Occupational pension, d’éventuels comptes de libre passage et vos piliers 3a. Le détail du système est sur les trois piliers et préparer ma retraite.

Pillar
Role
To remember in 2026
1st pillarOASI / DI / supplementary benefits
Cover vital needs in case of retirement, disability or death.
Full annual OASI pension: CHF 15,120 to CHF 30,240; 13th pension from December 2026.
2nd pillarOccupational pension
Complement OASI to maintain part of the professional living standard.
Affiliation from CHF 22,680; coordination deduction CHF 26,460; buy-ins possible.
3rd pillar3a / 3b
Fill gaps, optimise taxation, protect loved ones or finance a project.
3a ceiling: CHF 7,258 with occupational pension, or 20% of net income up to CHF 36,288 without occupational pension.

The logic of coherent retirement

Target budget - OASI + occupational pension = 3a / 3b gap

A good plan is not about opening a product at random. It is about knowing what would be paid, then filling the useful gap.

3a, occupational pension buy-ins and timing

Avec une caisse de pension, le pilier 3a permet de déduire jusqu’à CHF 7’258 en 2026. Plusieurs comptes 3a aident souvent à échelonner les retraits et l’impôt. Le pilier 3b reste plus libre hors plafond fédéral.

An occupational pension buy-in can fill gaps and reduce tax, but it must be planned: a capital withdrawal within three years can call the tax advantage into question. Since 2026, retroactive 3a catch-up can also become useful under conditions for certain gaps arising from 2025.

Employee with occupational pension

Often maximise 3a, read the occupational pension certificate and check whether a buy-in is relevant before stacking other products.

Part-time

The coordination deduction can sharply reduce the insured salary. An early review avoids a bad surprise at 60.

Close to retirement

From age 50-55, organise buy-ins, annuity/capital choice, tax staggering and possible gradual retirement.

Family / mortgage

Coordinate retirement and protection: death, disability and beneficiaries matter as much as pure savings.

Common pitfalls

Pension planning looks simple until a status change or an occupational pension certificate reveals a gap.

Whole salary coveredMandatory occupational pension is capped and coordinated with OASI.
Forgotten part-time workThe coordination deduction can crush the insured salary.
3a and 3b confused3a optimises tax; 3b gives more freedom.
Waiting too longOccupational pension buy-ins, several 3a accounts and annuity/capital choice are prepared early.

You already have a 3a or occupational pension: what should you check?

Vérifiez bénéficiaires, frais, rendement, part risque, garanties décès ou incapacité, possibilités de rachat Occupational pension et organisation de plusieurs comptes 3a. Adaptez après mariage, divorce, achat immobilier, temps partiel, hausse de salaire ou changement d’employeur. Coordonnez aussi avec garantir mes revenus et protéger ma famille.

With Finwise

We turn your three pillars into a readable plan

We read your occupational pension certificate, analyse OASI, 3a, 3b, taxation, family, mortgage and plans. The aim is not to accumulate products, but to build a retirement coherent with your situation.

Finwise Assurances partner logos

Prepare my retirement Optimise my 3a View the three pillars

Let’s talk about your needs

Tell us about your situation in a few lines. A Finwise adviser will contact you to clarify your options and compare suitable solutions.