When leaving Switzerland, deregister at your Gemeinde, file a final tax return covering the period to your departure date, and decide whether to transfer pillar 2 to a vested-benefits account or withdraw it - residency at the moment of withdrawal usually determines the withholding tax rate. Pillar 3a follows similar rules.
Your exit checklist
- 1
Deregister at your Gemeinde
Confirm your departure date in writing - it sets the cut-off for tax, insurance and pillar withdrawals.
- 2
File a final tax return
Covers 1 January to your departure date. Get it right - corrections from abroad are painful.
- 3
Decide on pillar 2
Transfer to a vested-benefits foundation, withdraw (where allowed), or split. The withholding tax rate depends on the canton of the foundation and your destination country.
- 4
Decide on pillar 3a
Same logic as pillar 2. Often best to combine timing with pillar 2 across two tax years to reduce the bracket.
- 5
Plan account closures
Some Swiss banks close non-resident accounts; others keep them with restrictions. Plan ahead so salary, mortgage and standing orders aren't disrupted.
- 6
Sort health insurance and ongoing obligations
Cancel KVG/LAMal effective on your departure date, settle any final premiums, and plan onward cover.
Topics in this phase
Frequently asked questions
Can I withdraw my pillar 2 when I leave Switzerland?
If you move outside the EU/EFTA, you can usually withdraw the full pillar 2 in cash. If you move within the EU/EFTA and are still covered by mandatory social security there, only the extra-mandatory portion is paid out - the mandatory part stays on a vested-benefits account until retirement age.
How is the withholding tax on pillar 2 calculated?
Switzerland levies a one-off withholding tax at source when you withdraw as a non-resident. The rate depends on the canton of the pension foundation, not your last canton of residence - and many double-tax treaties let you reclaim part of it.
When should I file my final Swiss tax return?
Your final return covers 1 January through your departure date and is usually due in the following year, with a Swiss tax representative often required if you're already abroad. We help you complete and file from abroad.
What happens to my Swiss bank accounts?
Policies vary by bank. Many will keep an existing account but charge higher non-resident fees or restrict products. Decide before you leave whether to close, consolidate or keep an account for ongoing CHF needs.
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Plan your Swiss exit