Question 1

Maximum amount Third Pillar 2026?

Accepted Answer

The amounts are constantly updated by law. In 2026, if you are an employee and have a pension fund (2nd pillar), you can contribute and deduct a maximum of CHF 7,258. If you are self-employed without a pension fund, you can contribute up to 20% of your net earned income, with a maximum cap set at CHF 36,288.

Question 2

What is the difference between a banking/app Pillar 3a and an insurance-based one?

Accepted Answer

Banking solutions and Apps give you a lot of flexibility, but their major limitation becomes apparent in the event of disability: if you can no longer work, you stop earning, and your retirement plan comes to a halt. With an insurance solution, however, in the event of an inability to earn (such as a severe accident or illness), the insurance company steps in and will continue to pay the contributions on your behalf until retirement. This way, you have the mathematical certainty of reaching your financial goal, no matter what happens.
There is no one-size-fits-all solution; the best approach is to analyze your specific pension needs and then choose the right option for you.

Question 3

How much can I save on taxes with the 3a Pillar?

Accepted Answer

The savings are immediate. The contributions you make to Pillar 3a are deductible from your taxable income. Depending on your salary, the amount you contribute, and the municipality where you reside, you can save between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000 in taxes per year. Additionally, the capital you accumulate in Pillar 3a is entirely exempt from wealth tax.

Question 4

Do I really need the Third Pillar if I already have the AHV and a Pension Fund?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely yes. Many people think they are safe, but the reality is that the AHV (1st Pillar) and Pension Fund (2nd Pillar) together will only cover between 50% and 60% of your last salary before retirement. This will inevitably create a pension gap that will lower your standard of living unless you make private provisions. Starting to contribute to Pillar 3a early, even with small amounts, is crucial to leveraging the power of compound interest and closing this gap.

Question 5

How does Thirdpillar.ch work?

Accepted Answer

Thirdpillar.ch is a retirement topic disclosure site, and through our broker partner you can compare the best companies impartially and transparently in three easy steps:

1) Request a comparison by sending the form, by telephone or via WhatsApp.

2) You will evaluate the comparison with the help of a pension expert via video call or in person.

3) Once you have chosen the third pillar that best suits your needs, you can underwrite it online or in person.

Question 6

Who provides insurance and consulting services?

Accepted Answer

The insurance services, such as pension analyses, information, advice, requests for quotations from the various companies, and the underwrite of contracts, are provided by Baires Soluzioni Assicurative Sagl, a company specialized in insurance brokerage, and duly registered to the FINMA supervisory authority register, under number F01066246.
More info www.bairesbrokers.ch

Question 7

How are the comparisons made?

Accepted Answer

Comparisons are exclusively hand-made by a pension specialist on the basis of the data you sent by the form and what was discussed during the first contact.
Thus you will have a tailor-made third pillar that fits your needs perfectly.

Question 8

Is third pillar consulting free of charge?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely Yes!
We offer you free neutral high-quality counseling to set up a tailor-made third pillar that fits your needs perfectly.

Question 9

What is a pension analysis?

Accepted Answer

A pension analysis is like a snapshot of your current personal insurance coverage and shows you, through simple charts, what would happen in the event of retirement, disability or death.
Once the necessary information is collected, a computer system precisely calculates all coverages and all possible scenarios.
In this way, you will be able to decide, consciously, whether to stipulate a third pillar, or not.

Question 10

How often should I have my pension situation analysed?

Accepted Answer

As a rule, whenever there are changes. For example, changes in income, marriage or divorce, the birth of a child, etc.
Otherwise, it is good to update the situation every 3-4 years.

Frequently asked questions about the third pillar