Social Insurances: Contributions and Benefits 2026

Ursula Heri
Ursula Heri
Director
Social Insurances: Contributions and Benefits 2026

From 1 January 2026, several changes will come into force in the Swiss social insurance system. In the following article, you will find an overview of the relevant changes to AHV contributions in 2026 and to other social insurance contributions in Switzerland.

Social Insurance 2026: Key Changes at a Glance

In 2026, several important changes will come into force in the Swiss social insurance system. Below is an overview of the key developments:

  1. Introduction of the 13th AHV old-age pension: In 2026, a 13th AHV payment will be made to pensioners for the first time. This additional payment will be paid together with the December pension.
  2. Retroactive pillar 3a contributions: From 2026 onwards, retroactive contributions for the year 2025 can be made for the first time.
  3. Further improvements in the 1st pillar: From 2026, AHV contribution obligations will be extended for short-term employees in selected sectors (including culture and media).
  4. BVG benefits adjusted: Survivors’ and disability benefits in occupational pension schemes will be adjusted for inflation (approx. +2.7%).
     

1st Pillar: AHV, IV, EO Contributions Switzerland 2026

In 2026, the 13th AHV old-age pension will be paid for the first time. This will take place together with the December pension payment. In addition, contribution obligations in the culture and media sectors will be expanded.

The reference age for women will continue to increase gradually in order to align it with the reference age for men. In 2026, it will be 64.5 years. All other AHV/IV/EO contribution rates will remain stable at 10.6% in 2026.

1st Pillar – AHV/IV/EO – Contributions for Employees Valid from 2026
Contribution obligation: from 1 January following completion of the 17th year of age
AHV 8.70%
IV 1.40%
EO 0.50%
Total  based on AHV gross salary (excluding family allowances); contributions are split equally between employer and employee 10.60%

 

1st Pillar – AHV/IV/EO – Contributions for the Self-Employed
Maximum rate   10.00%
Maximum rate applies from an annual income of CHF 60'500
Lower threshold – per year CHF 10'100
For income between CHF 10'100 and CHF 60'500, the declining contribution scale applies
Non-employed persons and individuals without substitute income pay the minimum annual contribution
Contribution obligation: from 1 January following completion of the 20th year of age
CHF 530

 

2nd Pillar: Occupational Pension and Accident Insurance

Survivors’ and disability pensions under the mandatory occupational pension scheme will be adjusted for inflation in January 2026 at a rate of 2.7%. For pensions originating before 2022, adjustments will take place no earlier than 2027.

The BVG minimum interest rate will remain at 1.25% for BVG old-age pensions in 2026. Overall, there will be no widespread structural changes as of 2026.

2nd Pillar – Occupational Pension
Contribution obligation: from 1 January following completion of the 17th year of age for death and disability risks
From 1 January following completion of the 24th year of age, old-age savings are also mandatory
Entry salary per year CHF 22'680
Minimum insured salary under BVG per year CHF 3'780
Upper BVG threshold per year CHF 90'720
Coordination deduction per year CHF 26'460
Maximum insured salary under BVG per year CHF 64'260
Statutory minimum interest rate   1.25%

 

3rd Pillar: Changes to Private / Tied Pension Provision

From 2026, missed contributions to pillar 3a for the year 2025 can be made retroactively for the first time. The condition is that the contribution for the current year must be paid in full. Further details can be found in the article “Subsequent Pillar 3a Contributions and Higher Taxation of Pension Assets” (Article in German only).

The maximum amount for pillar 3a remains unchanged compared to the previous year at CHF 7'258 for employed persons affiliated with a pension fund and CHF 36'288 for self-employed persons without a pension fund (maximum 20% of net earned income).

3rd Pillar – Tied Pension Provision (Voluntary)
Employed persons with a 2nd pillar CHF 7'258
Self-employed persons without a 2nd pillar (max. 20% of earned income) CHF 36'288

 

AHV, IV, EO, ALV and BVG – Social Insurance Contributions 2026 at a Glance

We have compiled the key figures on social insurance contributions and benefits for 2026 in a clear and concise factsheet.

​​​​​​​Download Factsheet Social Insurances 2026

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