Once you're settled in Switzerland, the biggest wins are usually opening a pillar 3a (up to CHF 7,258 per employed person in 2025, fully tax-deductible), filing a tax return or a tariff correction (NOV) if you qualify, and reviewing your pension and protection gaps before life events like buying a home or starting a family.
Your settling-in checklist
- 1
Open a pillar 3a
Tax-deductible private retirement savings - one of the simplest wins in the Swiss system.
- 2
File a tax return or request NOV
B-permit holders earning over CHF 120k file ordinarily; below that you can request a recalculation (NOV) by 31 March of the following year to claim deductions.
- 3
Review your health insurance
Switch premium model or franchise once you know your actual usage - you can change every year.
- 4
Check your pension (pillar 2)
Read your insurance certificate. Identify any gap from years missed abroad and whether voluntary buy-ins make sense.
- 5
Build a Swiss household budget
Account for the 13th salary, year-end tax bills and annual insurance premiums - not just monthly cashflow.
- 6
Plan ahead for a home purchase
If you'll want to buy in the next few years, start structuring savings, pillar 3a and pillar 2 with that goal in mind.
Tools
Topics in this phase
Frequently asked questions
How much can I pay into pillar 3a?
Employed people with a pillar 2 plan can contribute up to CHF 7,258 in 2025, fully deductible from taxable income. Self-employed without pillar 2 can contribute up to 20% of net earned income, capped at CHF 36,288 (as of 2025).
Should I switch from withholding tax to ordinary taxation?
If your income is under CHF 120k and you have meaningful deductions (pillar 3a, commuting, training, debt interest), requesting NOV by 31 March can refund tax. We can model both scenarios for you.
Is voluntary pillar 2 buy-in worth it?
Often yes for higher earners - buy-ins are tax-deductible in the year you make them. But the buy-in amount is blocked from withdrawal for 3 years, so it doesn't suit a near-term home purchase.
When should I start thinking about a Swiss mortgage?
As soon as you consider buying. Swiss banks expect you to bring 20% equity (at least 10% outside pillar 2) and to keep notional housing costs under one-third of income - it takes planning.
Need a clear plan for this stage?
Book a free consultation and get straightforward answers for your Swiss situation - independent, FINMA-regulated, no obligation.
Optimise your Swiss setup