| Re: Pensions Pillar 1: a Swiss government compulsory retirement insurance, AHV or AVS. When you reach official retirement age your pension will be calculated from the number of months you paid into the scheme, and your average salary. This is a very complicated subject, and I am not prepared to answer this more deeply, you should consult the office where you live or an accountant. This is not a savings scheme, there is no money to claim. Pillar 2: is your Company Pension (BVG or PPL)scheme. Your company decides which fund to use and sets the rules. Usually you and the company each pay equal contributions. When you leave the company your part of this fund is paid into the fund of your next company. If you are unemployed it is paid into a fund of your choice (e.g. a fund operated by a large bank) You cannot normally access this fund, unless you are buying a house or becoming self employed. Again it's complicated... Pillar 3: is your own voluntary fund where you have some control. I believe the first CHF 6,565 saved per annum is tax free, but only if you leave it alone until you retire. Further in payments can be made but these are not tax free. Other funds: not usually any tax advantages, but then we pay low tax anyway. Many people have been burnt recently by various savings schemes failing. It is probably best to consult an accountancy company and save with several different institutions.
Divorce and death. If you divorce: you and your spouse each gets half the money you both aquired whilst you were married (Including your pension funds). You should make a Testament or Will as there are Swiss laws about leaving your money and estate to your relatives and friends. Visit a Notary for advice.
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