What if your taxes could become your savings?
In Switzerland, the 3rd pillar is much more than a savings product —
it’s a powerful tax and wealth-building tool that allows you to reduce your taxes while preparing for retirement and building your own personal capital.
Each year, you can deduct up to CHF 7,258 (in 2025) from your taxable income if you’re employed,
or up to 20 % of your net income (maximum CHF 36,288) if you’re self-employed.
In other words: make your money work for you instead of paying it to the tax office.
My role: helping you choose the right 3rd pillar
I’m Mathias Sudres, an independent, FINMA-registered financial and insurance advisor.
I work with all major providers in Switzerland — Swiss Life, AXA, PAX, Liechtenstein Life, Helvetia, Bâloise, Zurich, and more.
My job is to:
- analyze your personal and financial situation (income, taxes, age, goals)
- compare the best 3rd Pillar A and 3rd Pillar B options on the market
- show you how to optimize your returns and tax savings
- design a strategy tailored to your unique objectives
The 3rd Pillar A — tax deduction and long-term security
The Pillar 3A is retirement-linked (“bound pillar”).It offers the greatest tax advantages of all.
- You deduct your contributions from your taxable income
- No tax on the investment growth while the plan is active
- Optional protection in case of death or disability
- Flexible investment options, including dynamic and sustainable equity funds
This pillar is ideal for employees, cross-border workers, and Swiss residents who want to lower their taxes every year.
The 3rd Pillar B — flexibility and freedom
The Pillar 3B is the “free” pillar.
It doesn’t provide an immediate tax deduction, but it offers:
- full flexibility for withdrawals (no age or retirement restriction),
- family and inheritance protection,
- and flexible investment options, with or without life-insurance coverage.
It’s an excellent choice for:
- families
- self-employed individuals,
- or anyone planning a project such as buying property, financing education, or building wealth independently.
Comparison and optimization: no two cases are alike
Opening a 3rd pillar account isn’t just about choosing a bank or insurer.
It requires a true analysis of your situation:
- How much exposure to equities or guaranteed funds?
- With or without life-insurance coverage?
- Should you focus on immediate tax benefits (3A) or flexibility (3B)?
- How is your current plan performing?
Every case is different — that’s why my consultations are 100 % personalized, free, and without obligation.
A concrete example
You earn CHF 100,000 per year and invest CHF 7,000 into a 3A plan. Your taxable income drops to CHF 93,000. You save about CHF 1,800 – 2,500 in taxes per year, while building a retirement capital exceeding CHF 150,000 over 20 years.
It’s one of the few legally guaranteed, double-benefit investments:
Less tax today, more money tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions — 3rd Pillar in Switzerland
3A is linked to retirement and offers tax deductions. 3B is flexible — you can withdraw anytime and include family protection or life insurance.
Anyone working in Switzerland and contributing to the AVS (including cross-border commuters).
Employees: up to CHF 7,056/year (2025) Self-employed (without pension fund): 20 % of net income, up to CHF 35,280/year
Yes, you can hold multiple contracts (for diversification — insurance and bank solutions). However, the total annual tax deduction remains capped at the legal limit.
You can withdraw or transfer your 3A capital depending on your tax status. I help you plan the cross-border tax implications properly.
Yes! Modern 3A solutions allow partial or full equity exposure, depending on your risk profile — a key to higher long-term returns.
Absolutely. It’s often the best approach to protect your family while optimizing your tax and estate planning.
I can analyze your existing policy for free — performance, fees, and coverage. In more than 70 % of cases, there’s a better option at the same or lower cost.
The earlier, the better! Starting young maximizes the combined power of compounding and tax savings. But it’s never too late to optimize your situation.
Yes, completely. My goal is to inform and guide you, not to sell you a specific product. You pay nothing, and you decide freely afterward.
The 3rd pillar is the cornerstone of your financial strategy in Switzerland.
It helps you save taxes, protect your family, and grow your wealth intelligently.
Take 30 minutes to discuss your goals — It’s free, no-obligation, and could significantly improve your long-term financial future.
