We are honored to have Generali, the world’s third-largest insurance company, partnering with the Chinese Community in Switzerland to have a wonderful lecture on the topic of „Retirement Planning in Switzerland.“ Generali, headquartered in Trieste, is a world-renowned insurance giant with services spanning insurance, asset management, and wealth management and provides clients with tailor-made wealth solutions.
On 22 September 2025, a short opening quiz revealed that most participants felt under-informed about the Swiss pension system, setting the stage for the talks that followed and giving the speakers a clear starting point. Antonio Riccio and Manasse Bambana of Generali Switzerland led the main session, followed by a 30-minute Q&A segment that also included Daniel Sivakumaran, sales manager at Generali Switzerland.
Key topics covered
1. First pillar AHV/IV
• Maximum monthly old-age pension in 2025: CHF 2,520; minimum: CHF 1,260; married-couple cap: CHF 3,780.
• The aging population has pushed the worker-to-retiree ratio from 9.5:1 (1948) to an expected 2.6:1 (2040), squeezing contribution rates and benefits.
• Pension can be drawn up to five years early or deferred five years; working longer allows small gaps to be filled; IV disability insurance replaces income until retirement.
2. Second pillar BVG/LPP
• 2025 coordinated-salary band: CHF 25,725–88,200; age-related savings rates 7%, 10%, 15%, 18%, employer paying at least half.
• At retirement the accumulated capital can be converted to a life-long annuity, taken as cash or combined. Statutory minimum conversion rate 6.8% for the compulsory portion, but market averages 5.2%; a 0.4 percentage difference changes monthly income by a few hundreds.
• Early retirement possible from 58 (with reductions) or delayed to 70; partial retirement and phased withdrawals are common.
3. Third pillar 3a/3b
• Pillar 3a (tied): 2025 contribution cap CHF 7,258 for those with a pension fund, 20% of net income up to CHF 34,416 for the self-employed; tax-deductible, tax-free growth, lump-sum tax on withdrawal.
• Pillar 3b (flexible): no caps or statutory access rules, product terms decided, no tax deduction.
• Planning tips: spread savings across several 3a accounts and withdraw one per year to cut tax; if still earning after 65 you can pay into 3a for up to five more years; use 3b as a bridge to early retirement, for disability cover or to repay a mortgage.
Generali specialists then used real-life case studies to show how the three pillars work in practice. A lively final Q&A and networking session answered many individual questions.
The Swiss pension system provides a safety net, but maintaining one’s standard of living requires a smart use of time windows and tailored planning. By combining the pillars wisely, residents can look forward to a more secure and comfortable retirement.
