The Swiss forecasting system is based on the three pillars model, designed to guarantee optimal financial security to citizens throughout their working life and after retirement. Among these three pillars, the third, which brings together 3A and 3B pillars, offers very advantageous personal savings and financial planning possibilities. But how to make the right decision between the linked pillar and the free pillar 3b in 2025? Here is everything you need to know to decide and ensure your financial future.
What is Pilar 3A (providident linked)?
Pilar 3A is an individual provident called “linked.” This means that the invested funds are specifically destined to complete their retirement. Payments are found fiscally, but their retirement is limited to certain specific conditions:
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Retirement (in the first 5 years before the legal age).
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Purchase of a main residence.
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Definitive output of Switzerland.
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Creation of an independent activity.
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Special cases such as total disability.
Tax advantages updated in 2025
By 2025, Pilar 3A payments are fiscally advantageous. The maximum deductible amount is established in 7’258 Chf per year for employees affiliated with a pension fund, and even 36’288 CHF For self -employment without a pension fund. This deduction allows substantial fiscal savings to be significantly reducing income tax.
Concrete example:
An employee who pays the maximum deductible of 7’258 CHF in his 3A Pilar can save more than 2,000 CHF taxes per year, according to his taxable income and his canton of residence.
Limits and inconveniences of Pilar 3A:
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Limited accessibility to funds before retirement.
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Variable yields depending on the chosen investment strategy (traditional bank account or fund investment).
What is the 3B pillar (free provident)?
Pilar 3B, also called “free forecast”, offers incomparable flexibility. Unlike Pilar 3A, saved funds are not dedicated exclusively to retirement and are accessible at any time, without legal restrictions. The 3B Pilar can be used for several financial objectives: purchase of a vehicle, financing for children’s studies or even support for a personal project.
Main advantages of Pilar 3B:
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Permanent access to the capital invested.
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There is no annual roof in payments.
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The free choice of beneficiaries in case of death.
Pilar Limits 3b:
Banking or insurance solutions: What strategy to choose in 2025?
Whether he opts for Pilar 3A or 3B, he has the option between a bank solution or an insurance solution. Here we show you how to differentiate them:
Bank solution for Pilar 3A
Banks generally offer 3A and 3A flexible accounts. You can freely invest every year with the authorized ceiling, with the possibility of choosing between a conventional savings account (fixed performance) or a solution based on investment funds (potentially higher but more risky, performance). However, bank solutions do not offer additional coverage in case of death or disability.
This option is ideal if:
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You want to maintain maximum freedom in your payments.
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You prefer to manage your locations and level of risk.
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It has no immediate need for additional insurance coverage.
Insurance solution for Pilar 3A
Insurance offers an interesting combination between risk savings and coverage (death, disability). They often guarantee minimum capital at the expiration, which ensures their investment and can offer high performance potential with solutions related to investment funds.
The advantages in 2025 insurance for Pilar 3A:
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Death coverage or integrated disability.
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Savings discipline thanks to mandatory regular payments.
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Guaranteed capital (depending on the chosen product).
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Flexibility in the designation of beneficiaries.
This choice is particularly adequate if:
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You have a family or relatives to protect.
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You want to ensure your assets while benefiting from tax advantages.
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He prefers to delegate the management of his investments to professionals.
Why open several accounts 3rd in parallel?
A often careless aspect of Pilar 3A is the possibility of opening several separate accounts. When stretching retirement, you can considerably optimize taxes. In fact, the withdrawal of the funds is subject to a single imposition, different from the income, but progressive. By dividing withdrawals for several years, the general tax on its saved capital significantly reduces.
In addition, diversify your accounts 3a allows you:
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Combine various investment strategies (low or high risk depending on your preferences).
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To better manage their financial objectives (real estate retirement, retirement capital, investment).
Forecasts and tips for 2025 and beyond:
The Swiss forecast evolves continuously, with frequent taxes and legal adjustments. In 2025, low interest rates remain a reality, which makes financing investments more attractive to traditional savings accounts. Therefore, it is essential to regularly review your strategy with a professional advisor to optimize your savings according to economic and legislative developments.
Conclusion: What option is best for you?
The choice between Pilar 3A and Pilar 3B depends essentially on its personal goals and its financial profile:
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Choose El Pilar 3A To maximize your tax savings and guarantee your retirement with an advantageous fiscal framework.
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Opt for Pilar 3B For absolute flexibility and free savings.
To accurately determine the best strategy adapted to their personal situation, Romandia Partner and I, Thierry Pasche, with more than 30 years of experience in insurance and finance, are available. We analyze your needs together and support it in all its steps, to effectively ensure your financial future in Switzerland.
