Obligation to join a pension scheme

The obligation to connect to a pension scheme according to BVG generally applies to all persons who are subject to AHV contributions as employees.

Mandatory Connection

There are only a few exceptions to the mandatory occupational pension scheme. One such exception exists, for example, if an employee earns an annual salary of less than CHF 21,060 or has a fixed-term employment contract of no more than three months. Furthermore, one is exempt from the mandate under certain conditions, such as if the employee has already reached the statutory retirement age, is at least 70% disabled, or is already mandatorily insured in a main professional activity. Self-employed individuals have the option to insure themselves voluntarily. The same applies to employees whose employers are not subject to AHV contributions. If one wants to opt-in for voluntary insurance, they must apply to the safety net institution or another relevant pension institution. Employers who do not yet have a pension scheme must choose one with the agreement of the staff. In doing so, the employer has the option to either join an existing pension institution, establish their own pension institution, or join the safety net institution.