2026 maximum for an employee: CHF 7,258, about CHF 605 per month. In 2027 the limit rises to CHF 7,373.
Average annual return
Balanced: a strategy mostly in shares.
Used to estimate your tax saving in Geneva: 2,100 CHF a year with this payment.
In 20 years, you would have
364,894 CHF
for 145,160 CHF paid in from your own pocket. That's 2,5 times your stake.
Pillar 3a capital
283,009
of which 137,849 in gains
Tax saved
42,000
2,100 CHF a year for 20 years
Saving reinvested
81,885
Your saving, invested at the same return
Even at 4% a year
289,810
The cautious scenario, in total
Why it works so well
01
Every franc you pay in lowers your tax
Your payment is deducted from your taxable income. In Geneva, a maximum payment saves about CHF 1,900 to 2,800 in tax per year depending on your salary.
02
Invested in shares, it really grows
A securities-based 3a account invests your money in global markets. Over 20 years, compound interest makes a huge difference compared with a classic savings account.
03
Open several accounts
Withdrawals are taxed at a reduced rate, and that rate rises with the amount withdrawn. With 3 to 5 accounts withdrawn in different years, each withdrawal is taxed separately, at a lower rate.
Open your pillar 3a
Securities-based 3a apps, low fees
Open online in a few minutes, with your permit and your AVS number.
The best known
VIAC
Up to 99% in shares, ready-made strategies, several accounts possible.
Open my VIAC account →Very low fees
finpension
Strategies up to 100% in shares, up to 5 pillar 3a accounts.
Discover finpension →From a cantonal bank
frankly
The 3a app of the Zurich Cantonal Bank, simple and cheap.
Discover frankly →Your tax saving
Don't spend it: reinvest it every year.
An automatic ETF savings plan, from a few francs a month. That's what takes your total to the next level.
Can I deduct my pillar 3a?
Resident, income below CHF 120,000
You are taxed at source: request a subsequent ordinary assessment (TOU) before 31 March of the following year so your payment counts.
Resident, income above CHF 120,000
You automatically move to ordinary taxation: the deduction is taken into account in your tax return.
Cross-border commuter
Only deductible if you are a quasi-resident: at least 90% of the household's income taxed in Switzerland. Otherwise 3a is still possible but with no tax saving.
Indicative simulation. Past returns do not guarantee future returns: an investment in shares can fall. Returns net of fees, payments at the start of the year, tax saving estimated for Geneva and reinvested at the same return. Sources: FSIO, 2026 amounts · tax savings and withdrawals in Geneva. Some links are partner links.