Swiss pensions
Pillar 3a for early retirees: tax saver now, bridge later
Pillar 3a cuts your tax bill while you work and becomes reachable five years before 65. How to use several accounts, when to withdraw and what the limits are.
Pillar 3a calculator: tax savings and growth
Every franc paid into Pillar 3a is deducted from taxable income. See what that saves, what the account could grow to, and what is left after the withdrawal tax.
Your result
- Tax saved per year
- CHF 1’815 / year
- Balance at withdrawal
- CHF 524’343
- Tax saved in total
- CHF 54’435
- Tax when you withdraw
- CHF 36’704
- Gain over taxed investing
- CHF 94’382
Your result, explained
Paying in saves about CHF 1’815 / year in income tax. After 30 years the account could hold CHF 524’343 in today’s francs, about CHF 94’382 more than investing the same money after tax.
Simplified: one marginal rate for all years and a flat withdrawal tax. Your canton’s tax calculator gives the exact figures.
Estimates for planning, not advice. Use at your own risk. Read the full disclaimer
How it is calculated
- Tax saved per year = contribution × your marginal tax rate.
- Balance = contributions growing monthly at the real return until withdrawal.
- Withdrawal tax = balance × the reduced rate on lump sums (flat estimate here).
- Gain over taxed investing = what is left after the withdrawal tax, minus what the same money would grow to if you had paid income tax first and invested it.
Real withdrawal taxes depend on canton and amount; withdrawing several accounts in different years lowers them. More in Pillar 3a and early retirement.
Frequently asked questions
How much can I pay into Pillar 3a?
With a pension fund, up to the yearly maximum shown on the methodology page (CHF 7’258 in 2026). Without one, 20 % of earned income up to a higher maximum.
When can I withdraw it?
At the earliest five years before the AHV reference age, and also when you buy a home, start a business or leave Switzerland for good.
Fund or savings account?
Over long periods funds have earned more, with ups and downs. A savings account pays little interest. This tool lets you set the return.
Related tools
Related reading
Swiss pensions
The three pillars when you retire early
AHV, pension fund and Pillar 3a: what each one pays, when you can reach it and what that means if you stop working before 65.
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