Written by Lukas Bachmann
3rd Pillar in 2025 – Everything You Need to Know
As of January 2025 · By Lukas Bachmann & Alessandrina Gull, innoVorsorge AG
The Swiss retirement system consists of three pillars: AHV/IV (1st pillar), occupational provision (2nd pillar) and private provision (3rd pillar). The 3rd pillar has become an indispensable supplement for securing your financial future. In 2025, there are several points to consider to get the most out of private provision.
What is the 3rd Pillar?
The 3rd pillar is the private supplement to state and occupational provision, serving to close individual provision gaps. It is divided into two areas:
| Area | 3a – Restricted provision | 3b – Unrestricted provision |
|---|---|---|
| Tax treatment | Tax-advantaged | No special tax benefits |
| Maximum contribution | Limited (CHF 7,258/year with PF) | Unlimited |
| Availability | Only at retirement or certain events | At any time |
Maximum Contribution Amounts 2025
CHF 7,258 for employees with a pension fund
CHF 36,288 for self-employed without a pension fund
The earlier you contribute, the more you benefit from compound interest while simultaneously reducing your tax burden.
Contributions to pillar 3a can be directly deducted from taxable income. The amount of tax savings depends on your income and place of residence and can quickly amount to several thousand francs per year.
New Regulation: Closing Gaps from 2025
A key innovation affects people who had contribution interruptions in pillar 3a. Until 2024, it was not possible to catch up on missed payments. Since 2025, eligible individuals can close gaps of the last ten years through additional contributions under certain conditions.
People with employment breaks (further education, sabbaticals, parental leave).
Self-employed individuals or those with irregular income.
Important limitation: Catch-up payments are limited to the current maximum contribution amount (CHF 7,258 for employees, CHF 36,288 for self-employed). Early planning is advisable.
Investment Strategy by Life Phase
| Life phase | Equity allocation | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Young (up to 45) | 75–100% | Maximum growth |
| Middle (45–55) | 40–60% | Balance return/safety |
| Near retirement (55+) | Low or 0% | Capital preservation |
Optimising Your 3a Account
- Start early: The earlier you begin, the longer your capital can grow.
- Spread across multiple accounts: Optimise tax progression upon withdrawal.
- Invest in funds: Instead of a savings account, use pension funds for higher return potential.
Conclusion
In 2025, pillar 3a remains one of the best ways to secure your financial future. Use the current contribution limits, close any gaps and adapt your investment strategy to your life phase.
Optimise your pillar 3a strategy?
In a free strategy meeting, we show you how to structure your private provision.
Book a strategy meetingFree · 15 min · Online