Purpose of the third pillar
The restricted private pension plan (3a)
There is a maximum amount that you can pay into your account each year.
More advantageous interest rates than in a savings account.
The contributions you make are tax-deductible.
The withdrawal of Pillar 3a savings is subject to strict conditions.
When withdrawing Pillar 3a savings, you must pay a one-off tax based on your income at the time of withdrawal.
The unrestricted pension plan (3b)
You can make unlimited annual contributions each year.
You must declare your accumulated capital to the tax authorities each year
The capital is generally taxed annually.
You can withdraw the capital at any time.
You are not subject to additional tax when you withdraw your savings.
You already pay contributions to a 2nd pillar (generally employees).
You do not have OPA pension plan (generally self-employed persons).
You live abroad but work in Switzerland (e.g. cross-border workers).
You receive a daily allowance from Swiss unemployment insurance.
You receive a daily allowance from Swiss disability insurance, which is subject to AHV contributions.
You are a partially disabled insured person who is gainfully employed and whose income from this employment is subject to OASI (AHV, AVS) contributions.
If you have reached retirement age but are still working, you can continue to pay contributions until five years after the age of 65.
You can continue to pay contributions even if you temporarily stop working (during civil or military service, unemployment, illness, etc.).
You want to buy or build your own home.
You are leaving Switzerland for good.
You intend to become self-employed.
You decide to change your self-employed activity.
You want to buy back years of lost contributions to a 2nd pillar pension fund.
You are receiving a full disability (IV/AI) pension and the risk of disability is not insured