Life & pensions
Saving tax with Pillar 3a
With Pillar 3a you provide for later and pay less tax at the same time. Here is what applies in 2026 and what to watch before the year ends.
AskGeorge20 August 2026, 3 min read
Pillar 3a (Säule 3a) is voluntary Swiss retirement saving with a tax advantage. What you pay in can be deducted from your taxable income. That pays off every year.
How much you can pay in for 2026
- With a pension fund: up to CHF 7,258 a year.
- Without a pension fund, for example if you are self-employed: up to 20 per cent of your earned income, capped at CHF 36,288.
Pay in on time
For the amount to count for 2026 it must be credited by the end of December. It is best to transfer it a few days earlier.
Account or insurance policy?
Pillar 3a is available as a bank account, with securities or as an insurance policy. An insurance solution can also cover risks such as disability or death, but usually ties you in for many years. Which fits depends on your situation.
When you can access the money
The money is generally locked in until five years before retirement age. You can withdraw it earlier, for example to buy your own flat or house, if you become self-employed, or if you leave Switzerland for good.
Since 2025 missed contributions can be paid in retrospectively under certain conditions.
Last updated September 2026. This article does not replace personal advice. The terms of your insurer apply.
