Leaving Switzerland

When you leave Switzerland, several things may happen to your pension and bank accounts, depending on your specific circumstances.

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Pension Accounts

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Pillar One - (State Pension) - Contributions to the Swiss state pension (AHV/AVS) generally cannot be refunded when you leave Switzerland. However, the contributions made will be preserved and may be claimed as a pension once you reach retirement age, depending on bilateral agreements between Switzerland and your new country of residence.

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Pillar Two - (Occupational Pension) - EU/EFTA Citizens if you move to an EU/EFTA country, you can usually only withdraw the non-mandatory portion of your occupational pension. The mandatory part typically remains in a vested benefits account in Switzerland. Non EU/EFTA Citizens you may be eligible to withdraw the full amount of your occupational pension when leaving Switzerland permanently. Note the conditions for withdrawal might also depend on the legal and tax regulations in the country you relocate to.

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Pillar Three - (Private Pension) - Private pension savings (Pillar 3a) can usually be withdrawn when leaving Switzerland, although taxes may apply depending on the Canton where the account is held and your new country of residence.

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Bank Accounts

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Closing Accounts - You are not required to close your Swiss bank accounts upon leaving the country, and many people keep their accounts open, especially if they plan to return or need to handle ongoing financial matters in Switzerland.

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​Fees and Services - Be aware that maintaining a Swiss bank accountfrom abroad might incur higher fees, and you should also check whether your bank has any specific requirements or services for expatriate clients.

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Tax Considerations

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You may need to address obligations in both Switzerland and your new country of residence. Depending on tax treaties, there may be rules regarding double taxation. 

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We understand that the specifics can vary based on personal circumstances so it is advisable to plan in advance to ensure that when you leave Switzerland you leave in the most tax efficient way.