Contributing
How much you are allowed to contribute and how to fill gaps from previous years.
How much can I contribute to my pillar 3a?
The maximum amounts for pillar 3a are:
With pension fund: 7'258 francs
Without pension fund: 20% of earned income, up to a maximum of 36’288 francs
As of 2027, the maximum amounts will increase slightly.
Retroactive payments
In the past, if you missed your annual contribution to pillar 3a or did not use the full maximum amount, you unfortunately could not make up for it.
That has changed for the better: You can fill gaps that have arisen since 2025. Clear rules apply here; for example, you must first pay in the full maximum amount for the current year.
You can read about who is allowed to make retroactive payments, in which order it is worthwhile, and how much tax you save as a result in our blog post titled «When late 3a purchases are worthwhile».
Saving taxes
How much tax you save with your annual contribution.
Saving taxes with pillar 3a
All contributions to your pillar 3a can be deducted from your taxable income on your tax return. This reduces your tax bill. The amount of your savings depends on various factors. The calculator shown here simplifies this, but gives you a very good first impression. If you would like to learn more about saving taxes with pillar 3a, we recommend our comprehensive tax savings calculator.
So that you can enter your further details that influence your tax savings (for example, the exact amount you would like to pay in, or the number of your children), we have created a comprehensive tax savings calculator, along with a lot of further information about the tax benefits of pillar 3a.
How much you save with a contribution to your pillar 3a
Investing
Why you should invest your pillar 3a funds and how to save on taxes with multiple portfolios.
Transferring
Why transferring to findependent is worth it and how to go about it in the easiest way.
Withdrawing
What you should keep in mind when withdrawing your pillar 3a and how much tax you will pay.
The 3-pillar system in Switzerland
1st pillar
OASI
Old-Age and Survivors’ Insurance (AHV) covers basic living needs. It is mandatory for everyone who lives or works in Switzerland. You pay contributions from age 18 (if you work) or 21 (if you do not work) until reaching retirement age at 65 – or beyond, if you continue working.
Your contribution is deducted from every income you generate and paid into the AHV. The amount of your pension depends on your contribution years and your average income. If contribution years are missing, the AHV pension is reduced.
2nd pillar
Pension fund
The pension fund supplements the AHV. Together, both are intended to enable you to maintain your usual standard of living. For employees earning above a certain annual salary, the pension fund is mandatory. Contributions are deducted directly from your salary, and your employer pays at least half. Self-employed individuals can insure themselves voluntarily, for example with the pension fund of their professional association.
From age 18 you are insured against death and disability, and from age 25 you save additionally for old age. Upon retirement, you receive your balance as a pension or a combination of pension and capital, depending on the pension fund.
3rd pillar
Private pension
Voluntary private pension plans close gaps, because the 1st and 2nd pillars are often not enough to secure your accustomed standard of living in old age.
Pillar 3a
Tied pension provision (pillar 3a) is open to everyone who has an earned income subject to AHV. You can deduct your contributions from your taxes up to the annual maximum amount. In return, the money is tied until five years before retirement age, except in clearly defined cases.
Pillar 3b
Voluntary private pension provision fills gaps, because the 1st and 2nd pillars are often not enough to maintain your usual standard of living in old age.
