Retirement in Switzerland: how much you will receive depending on your age of arrival

5 min read · By Españoles en Suiza · Updated: 01.03.2026

The Swiss pension is based on three pillars. The years of contributions make a difference: the earlier you arrive, the more solid your pension will be.

One of the most frequently asked questions is what pension is left after a working life in Switzerland. The system is mainly supported by two pillars (AVS and LPP).

The Fundamental Pillars

  • 1st Pillar (AVS): State pension. The minimum is around 1,200 CHF and the maximum is 2,450 CHF per month. It depends on the years contributed without interruptions.
  • 2nd Pillar (LPP): Professional pension fund. Capital accumulated during your employment. When you retire you can choose between a monthly income or withdraw the capital.

Examples according to age of arrival

Expectations change drastically depending on when you start trading in the country:

  • Arrival at 30 years old: Ideal scenario. After 35 years of contributions, it is realistic to aim for a total pension of between 4,000 and 5,500 CHF (AVS + LPP).
  • Arrival at 40 years old: Time is starting to get tight. The AVS will be partial and the LPP will be smaller. The pension could be around 3,000 - 4,000 CHF.
  • Arrival at 50 years old: Delicate case. Without very high salaries, the total pension could remain between 2,000 and 3,000 CHF, making additional private savings necessary.
Note on agreements: The years worked in Spain are not lost; Each country will pay its proportional part upon reaching retirement age.