Pensions · Pillar 3
Pillar 3a: Swiss households' number-one tax lever
Contributions are deductible from taxable income, must be credited by 31 December!
Updated 5 September 2026 · Information drawn from official legal texts (fedlex.admin.ch), the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) and Swiss federal data.
3a or 3b: the quick comparison
| Pillar 3a (restricted) | Pillar 3b (flexible) | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax advantage | Contributions deductible from taxable income | No general deduction (cantonal advantages possible) |
| Annual cap | ≈ CHF 7,258 with LPP; up to 20% of income (max ≈ CHF 36,288) without LPP, 2025 values | Unlimited |
| Availability | Locked (retirement, home purchase, leaving Switzerland, self-employment…) | Free per contract |
| Vehicles | Bank account, securities, or insurance policy | Savings, securities, life insurance |
Bank or insurance?
Bank 3a: flexible, free contributions, multiple accounts possible (staggered withdrawals smooth the capital tax). Insurance 3a: combines saving and risk cover, but locks you in long-term with exit costs, sign only with full understanding.
Tax tip: open several 3a accounts over the years and withdraw them in different tax years: capital tax is progressive in most cantons, staggering cuts the bill.
Before 31 December: the payment must be credited before year-end to be deductible, don't wire it on the evening of the 30th.
How much tax would you save this year?
Free estimate by canton, income and saving capacity, with a bank vs insurance comparison.
Calculate my tax savings📖 Official legal texts: LPP / BVG (SR 831.40) · fedlex.admin.ch
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