Frequently asked questions about the third pillar

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.

Banking solutions and apps offer excellent flexibility and lower costs, but they have one major blind spot: if an accident or illness leaves you unable to work, your income stops—and your retirement contributions stall.

Insurance solutions protect you from this exact risk. If you lose your ability to earn, the insurance company steps in and pays your contributions for you until you retire. This gives you absolute certainty that you'll hit your financial target, whatever life throws your way. Naturally, this level of protection comes at a higher cost.

There is no single perfect solution for everyone. The smartest move is to evaluate your individual pension needs and choose the path that fits you best. Often, combining both options is the most effective strategy.

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.

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.

Thirdpillar.ch is your go-to guide for pension planning. Compare the best providers transparently and impartially in just three easy steps: 

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

2) You will evaluate the comparison with a pension expert via video call.

3) Choose the Third Pillar that best suits your needs and finalize it remotely or in person.

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.

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

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.

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.