Retiring Abroad: What Happens to Your Swiss Pensions and Taxes
Paying out AHV abroad, pension fund options and the tax consequences of leaving.
5 min read · Retirement & Pensions
Life situations: Planning for retirement
Many people consider retiring abroad. Plan the move carefully, because several rules change on the day you leave.
AHV
AHV pensions are generally paid abroad. The payment is made in the local currency or euros depending on the country, so exchange rates change what you receive. Some countries have agreements that cover additional rules.
Example with default values. Open the calculator →
Pension fund and pillar 3a
- Pensions can be paid abroad; lump sums are possible under conditions.
- Withdrawals when you leave are taxed at source in Switzerland at specific rates.
- Leaving the country early can unlock some assets, but check the rules for EU/EFTA destinations.
Taxes and health care
Check double-taxation treaties, health insurance and wealth rules in the destination country. Estimate the income you will have with the AHV pension estimate.
Try it yourself: AHV Pension Estimate
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- Estimated annual pension
- CHF 29'096
- Full pension for your income
- CHF 2'425
- Maximum pension (married couples capped at 150 %)
- CHF 2'520