Hello,

I realise my case is probably a somewhat unusual one, compared to the average person posting here.

Even though chances are my case is so unusual that I probably won't find my answer(s), I thought I'd give it a shot anyway, since I don't know where else to turn.

First, a bit about myself:

I'm in my 30s, I live in Denmark, I'm a Danish citizen.
I spent 10 years of my life in CH from age 1 to 11. My mother is Swiss, my father is Danish.

My parents have decided to move back to CH within the next year or so.
I also have the remaining part of my extended family in CH. (the rest of them in Denmark have died or moved out of the country).

Due to a work-related injury 13 years ago, I am on what, I think, Americans term 'Disability' pay. The Swiss would call this being on IV.

Basically, its a pension I get every month from the Danish state. The figure is 38.300CFR yearly - which rises a bit every year, to keep up with inflation.
Yes, the figure is quite small. However, since CH overall is a bit cheaper than Denmark, I would be no less/worse off by moving to CH, unless my inital calculations re. taxes have failed me completely.

A while ago, I calculated that I would actually have more [than in Denmark] even when AHV and IV was figured into it.

Anyway, let me get to my questions.

I called the Danish embassy in Bern, and asked them to find out if I really had to pay AHV (I still don't know exactly what that is) and IV, seeing that I already am on IV (albeit a Danish one).
And with regard to AHV (which I understand to be some kind of unemployment insurance, I think...), I don't understand why I would have to pay this, as I will never work again in my life - and will not be taking work in CH - ever. I already am unemployed - yet in no need of the Swiss state to, in any way, support me - ever.

When I turn 65, I get to be what is called 'folkepensionist'. I believe the Brits call this 'old age pensioneer'. This is something all Danish citizens get - regardless whether they live abroad or not.
So, I would have no need for a Swiss pension - nor do I want one, as getting one would only mean being deducted in my Danish pension.

The ambassy told me they had contacted some official office in CH with regard to my enquiry. They were told I had to pay AHV and IV.

Now I'm wondering if this is absolute standard (I thought nothing was standard in CH?) that absolutely everyone has to pay AHV & IV - even the (unemployed) Swiss people on IV?
Or, perhaps, if there is a small chance that I could get away with not paying for something I already have - and will continue to have until the day I day.
It would really make quite a difference to me, financially.

I've been trying to read up on this stuff on the offical websites.
I have a German vocabulary of a child aged about 10.
The Swiss (and probably the Germans as well) have a special language when it comes to laws and official text. After reading such a website, my head is spinning. I understand nothing!
I even had my mother try to read it. She doesn't get much of it either.

My basic question is two fold:

- Would anyone happen to know the answer to my AHV & IV question?
- Does anyone know where exactly I need to direct my questions to in Switzerland to get an answer?

Thank you very much.


Oh, and some of you might be wondering about health insurance.
That is also something the Danish state would pay for me (on top of the pension). So, I do not need worry in that department.

I would try to call

www.svazurich.ch

The above link provides an International Consulting on Pensions:

http://www.svazurich.ch/index/index....ung&sprache=de


You also might want to ask the Swiss Embassy in Denmark, rather than the Danish Embassy in Switzerland

Everyone who lives in CH has to pay for AHV/IV no mather if you work or not also you have to pay if you are disabled (depends on your income and financial funds). Minimum is around 900.- and if your Taxed Income is 38`300.- ,minus deductable disability costs it will be something around the minimum. p.a. There are some exeptions like diplomats or asylum seeker.

But i do think in this situation it should be different, because you are insured and you are reciving a pension already and all costs are covered.

Really?

So IV people in Switzerland still pay IV?
That doesn't make much sense. They really should just call it taxes, as that is what it really is, when even these people have to pay.


And cheers for the links, allegra.

I forgot to ask:

That's 900.- yearly, right? Otherwise I'm screwed if its monthly.

I have found it (also in English) : http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/sr/832_102/a2.html

According this, you will NOT have to pay contributions to AHV/IV . But you must make an application, why not right now to be sure? Hopefully it did help to make things clear.

Yes, it is a defacto income Tax.

You are not in such a bad position, because reciving health insurance for free which cost in switzerland around 300-500 (minimum franchise) a month plus 10% of your doctor bills up to 700.- yearly (excess)

Thank you very, very much!

This is extremely helpful.