A pension strategy starts with your needs
The Swiss system is based on three pillars: AVS/AI, LPP and private pension provision. It protects against retirement, disability and death, but it often leaves gaps between planned benefits and the household's actual standard of living.
Finwise does not push you towards a single product. We first analyze your situation: income, family, mortgage, employed or self-employed status, LPP certificate, taxation, retirement horizon and desired level of security.
The pillars to understand
- 1st pillar: AVS/AI and basic benefits, intended to cover vital needs.
- 2nd pillar: LPP and pension fund, compulsory for many employees and intended to supplement AVS/AI.
- 3rd pillar 3a: linked pension plan with tax advantage, reserved for people with income subject to AVS.
- 3rd pillar 3b: free pension provision, more flexible for beneficiaries, withdrawals and wealth projects.
- Risk insurance: death, disability and incapacity to earn income to protect income and loved ones.
The key rules in Switzerland
In 2026, pillar 3a allows you to deduct up to CHF 7,258 for people affiliated to a pension fund, or 20% of net income up to CHF 36,288 for people without a 2nd pillar. 3a assets are in principle blocked until five years before the reference age, except for legal exceptions such as the purchase of housing, permanent departure from Switzerland or the transition to independence.
Since 2026, certain retroactive redemptions in pillar 3a have been possible for gaps that appeared from 2025, under conditions. Pillar 3b does not have a comparable federal ceiling and remains more flexible, but without a systematic federal tax deduction.
What need do you want to solve?
- Prepare for my retirement : estimate the gap between future income and desired lifestyle.
- Optimize my pillar 3a : taxation, banking or insurance, funds, withdrawals and retroactive redemption.
- Maintain flexibility with pillar 3b : heritage projects, cohabitation, beneficiaries and transmission.
- Understanding my LPP : insurance certificate, buyout, annuity, capital and death-disability cover.
- Compare life insurance : savings, protection, fees, surrender value and beneficiaries.
- Protect my loved ones : death benefit, mortgage, children, partner and independents.
- Secure my income : private annuity in the event of illness or lasting accident.
Common errors
- Sign long life insurance without comparing the banking solution and surrender fees.
- Maximize 3a without keeping enough cash for unforeseen events.
- Ignoring long-term health coverage, often more problematic than the accident.
- Do not read the LPP certificate before a real estate purchase, a birth or the transition to independence.
- Thinking that the cohabiting partner is automatically protected like a married spouse.
- Consolidate all your 3a in a single account and lose tax installment possibilities on withdrawal.
Who is Finwise useful for?
We support employees, self-employed people, managers, families, cross-border commuters and owners who want a clear understanding of their pension plan. Advice is particularly important during a change in salary, a real estate purchase, a birth, a divorce, a departure from Switzerland, a business creation or retirement planning.
Our support
Finwise carries out a pension assessment, identifies your gaps and compares the relevant solutions: 3a account, 3a fund, 3a insurance, pillar 3b, death insurance, life insurance, earning incapacity pension or LPP buyout. You leave with an understandable, quantified recommendation aligned with your priorities.
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