Hello. I am asking about my BVG account here in Switzerland. I will be leaving my place of work, and the country, in early September.

i understand that if a person changes jobs, and even if that person changes countries, but still is employed, the BVG is TRANSFERRED to the new place of employment.

However, i will be leaving Switzerland, and moving to the UK for University studies. I would like to know what my rights are concerning my BVG account, and how i can get the money from that account.

you see, in the past an old co-worker of mine left the company i am at, went to a new place of employment in a different country. That place wasn't completely legal in the sense that they did not properly operate a BVG style fund, so my friends BVG account here was 'held' because there was no where to transfer it to.

So i am curious because i will NOT be going to another place of employment. Are the funds accesible? Or will they sit there until i have another BVG style account??

Thanks!

Hi,

take a look at this

Swiss pensions consolidated summary

Do not close your existing bank account.
Apply for the refund of BVG. While applying mention that they should transfer the amount to your existing bank account.
The process takes time.
Once you get your money back, just transfer it to your new bank account wherever you have it.

Thanks for the help, i have read most of the information from the link you provided, plus other links i found in that thread. However, i don't think i have a clear answer. Allow me to expand a bit.

I am a Canadian, i have been living and employed in CH for 4 years now. 2 years on an L permit, and 2 on a B permit (albeit, i have had a BVG account for only the past 2 years... don't ask) so the value in the BVG account is not very much. Myself and employer have only been paying in the minimum amount per month. (ca. 170 CHF each)

I will be leaving CH, and moving to the UK. (yes, and EU state, but i am NOT an EU citizen). In the UK, i will be going to University full time. So there is not a new BVG style account to transfer my current one to. Remember, i will not be a permanent resident of the UK either.

Bottom line: what can i do with the 2 years of contributions to my CH BVG account? Can i get the money? should i transfer it to a vested account? should i do that in Schwyz Canton? (for tax reasons) ???