Is there a minimum social security contribution in Switzerland?

If I am registered with a Swiss social security office (AHV/AVS), do I have to pay a minimum social security contribution every month or year? What if I become unemployed or decide to study for a time?

The minimum social security contribution which every adult residing in Switzerland is required to pay is 478 Swiss francs per year (as per January 2017).

This minimum contribution applies to students, retirees which have not yet reached retirement age, recipients of disability pensions, recipients of paid sick leave compensation, travelers which remain registered in Switzerland, and any other unemployed persons below retirement age. Employed adults are also required to make at least this minimum contribution each year.

If you are unemployed but your spouse is employed, your minimum social security payment may be covered by your employed spouse if their annual contributions are at least double the minimum contribution (956 francs). If your spouse’s contributions are not sufficient to cover your minimum payment, you have to make up the difference out of your own pocket.