Pensions · Pillar 1
AVS/AI (state pension): the foundation, essential but not enough on its own
Pillar 1 secures the subsistence level. Contribution gaps reduce your pension for life.
Updated 5 September 2026 · Information drawn from official legal texts (fedlex.admin.ch), the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and Swiss federal data.
The essentials
- Your AVS pension depends on your contribution years (a full career for a full pension) and your average income.
- The maximum individual pension is about CHF 2,520/month (2025 value, adjusted periodically); a couple's pension is capped at 150%.
- Every missing year reduces your pension for life (about 1/44 per gap year).
Contribution gaps: the classic trap
Extended studies, time abroad, years without work: possible holes. People without gainful activity (including students from age 21) must contribute themselves. Back payments are only possible within 5 years.
Useful reflex: request your individual AVS account statement free of charge from a compensation fund to spot gaps, before it's too late to fill them.
Where does your overall pension planning stand?
Free analysis of your 3 pillars: projected pension, AVS gaps, 3a potential.
Request my pension analysis📖 Official legal texts: AVS act (SR 831.10) · fedlex.admin.ch
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