Withdrawing money from Swiss pension funds

After years of working in Switzerland, my pension fund contributions have stacked up to quite a tidy sum. Is there any way I can get my hands on that money in cash, or do I have to wait around until retirement for some kind of pension (if I live that long)?

Hi there,

Withdrawing retirement savings from your Swiss occupational pension fund (2a) is only allowed under very specific circumstances:

1. Buying a home: You can withdraw your occupational pension fund or vested benefits account savings in full to finance a home for your own use until you reach the age of 50. After you turn 50 years old, you can only withdraw a maximum of half of your assets. Withdrawals towards home purchases can be made until 3 years before you begin receiving your old-age pension. Your pension fund may deny a withdrawal for a home purchase in some circumstance (if the pension fund is not fully solvent, for example).

2. Becoming self-employed: When you become fully self-employed, you are no longer obligated to be be a member of a pension fund. After becoming self-employed, you can withdraw your 2a assets in full.

3.Moving outside of Switzerland and EU or EFTA countries: If you settle outside of Switzerland, EU and EFTA countries, you can withdraw your 2a assets in full.

Best regards from Moneyguru