Pillar 3a for expats explained
Pillar 3a for expats: the complete guide 2026
How the Swiss pillar 3a works, how much tax you save, what happens when you leave Switzerland and which providers I recommend.
Published on 13 November 2026 · by Helga Baechler, certified wealth advisor IAF
If you work in Switzerland, the pillar 3a for expats is one of the easiest ways to pay less tax. Every franc you pay in, up to the yearly maximum, is deducted from your taxable income. Many expats only hear about it in their second or third year and miss out on hundreds of francs in tax savings.
In a nutshell
- In 2026 you can pay in up to CHF 7’258 if you have a pension fund, or up to 20% of your income and max. CHF 36’288 without one. In 2027 it rises to CHF 7’373 and CHF 36’864.
- Depending on your income and canton, this can save you roughly CHF 1’000 to 2’500 in tax per year.
- When you leave Switzerland for good, you can usually withdraw your pillar 3a. What happens to your pension fund and AHV is in leaving Switzerland.
- Invest it with a low-cost digital provider instead of a 0% bank account. My first choice is finpension. Already have a 3a at your bank? Here is how to transfer your pillar 3a for free.
My codes for your pillar 3a
*Advertising, affiliate codes. This costs you nothing extra.
What is pillar 3a?
Switzerland has three pillars for retirement. The first is the state pension (AHV/AVS), the second is your employer’s pension fund and the third is private saving. Pillar 3a is the tax-privileged part of the third pillar. You pay in voluntarily, deduct it from your taxable income and can usually only withdraw it from five years before the normal retirement age, or earlier for specific reasons such as buying a home, becoming self-employed or leaving Switzerland.
Can expats open a pillar 3a?
Yes. What matters is that you earn income subject to AHV/AVS contributions in Switzerland. Your nationality and your permit type do not matter. Cross-border commuters can also pay in, but whether they can deduct it depends on where they pay tax.
Pillar 3a for expats taxed at source
Many expats with a B permit pay tax at source (Quellensteuer). The 3a deduction is not included automatically. You have to request a subsequent ordinary tax assessment from your canton, usually by 31 March of the following year. If you earn more than CHF 120’000 a year, an ordinary assessment is mandatory anyway. Once you have requested it, you will receive an ordinary tax return every year from then on.
How much tax do you save?
| Taxable income | Pay in 2026 | Approx. tax saving per year |
|---|---|---|
| CHF 70’000 | CHF 7’258 | approx. CHF 1’200 to 1’700 |
| CHF 100’000 | CHF 7’258 | approx. CHF 1’600 to 2’200 |
| CHF 150’000 | CHF 7’258 | approx. CHF 2’000 to 2’700 |
Rough estimates for a single person, depending on canton and municipality. Calculate your own saving with the official federal tax calculator.
Pillar 3a for expats: account or investing?
A classic 3a bank account pays very little interest. Over 10 or 20 years, investing your 3a in a fund with a high share of equities can make a big difference. Digital providers let you choose how much you invest in shares, up to 99%, and keep fees low. I compare all providers in my pillar 3a comparison.
| Provider | Fees per year | In English | My code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. finpension | 0.39% flat | yes | LIEBXP |
| 2. findependent | 0.29% management fee | check the app | liebe3a |
| 3. VIAC | max. 0.40% | yes | see comparison |
| 4. Yuh 3a | 0.50% all-in | yes | YUHLIEBE (for the account) |
As of November 2026, no guarantee.
Why I recommend finpension
finpension is my first choice for the pillar 3a. You pay a flat 0.39%, can invest up to 99% in shares, the app is available in English and you can open up to five 3a portfolios. Several portfolios help you to withdraw them in different years later and save tax on the withdrawal. Read my finpension pillar 3a review or follow my step by step guide to open finpension 3a.
What happens to my pillar 3a when I leave Switzerland?
If you leave Switzerland for good, you can usually request the payout of your pillar 3a, regardless of where you move. You need proof that you have deregistered from your Swiss municipality. The payout is taxed at source at a reduced rate. Depending on the tax treaty with your new country of residence, you may be able to reclaim part of this tax. Since the rules depend on your situation, get advice before you withdraw a large amount.
If you stay longer than planned, nothing changes. Your 3a keeps growing and you keep saving tax every year.
How to start your pillar 3a in 4 steps
Check your maximumCHF 7’258 in 2026 if you have a pension fund through your employer.
Open your 3a with my codeLIEBXP at finpension gives you CHF 25 credit towards your fees.
Pay in before 31 DecemberOnly payments made by the end of the year count for that tax year.
Deduct itDeclare the amount in your tax return or request the ordinary assessment if you are taxed at source.
FAQ: pillar 3a for expats
Can expats open a pillar 3a in Switzerland?
Yes. You need income in Switzerland that is subject to AHV/AVS. Nationality and permit type do not matter.
How much can I pay into pillar 3a in 2026?
Up to CHF 7’258 with a pension fund, or up to 20% of your net income and max. CHF 36’288 without one. In 2027 the limits are CHF 7’373 and CHF 36’864.
I pay tax at source. Can I still deduct pillar 3a?
Yes, but you have to request a subsequent ordinary assessment from your canton, usually by 31 March of the following year.
Can I withdraw my pillar 3a when I leave Switzerland?
If you leave Switzerland for good, you can usually withdraw it. The payout is taxed at source at a reduced rate, which you may partly reclaim depending on the tax treaty.
Which pillar 3a provider is best for expats?
My first choice is finpension with a flat 0.39% fee and an app in English. With the code LIEBXP you get CHF 25 credit. findependent is a cheaper newcomer in second place.
Helga Baechler
Certified wealth advisor IAF and founder of liebefinanzen.ch. I have been investing with my own money in Switzerland since 2020 and test every bank and app myself.
*Advertising, affiliate links and codes. If you sign up with my code, I may receive a small commission. This costs you nothing extra. This article is for general information only and is not investment, tax or legal advice. Conditions as of November 2026, no guarantee.
