Pension & Planning
Structured planning for the major decisions in life
Pension is more than just Pillar 3a, it encompasses all financial decisions that shape your future. We help you make optimal use of the Swiss three-pillar system and develop a holistic plan covering retirement, taxes, family, and estate.
Swiss pension system
Understanding and optimising the three pillars
Pillar 1, AHV/IV (state pension and disability insurance)
The Swiss state pension (AHV/IV) is the foundation of retirement provision, designed to cover basic living needs in retirement and in cases of disability. We review your AHV contribution gaps, explain the implications of advancing or deferring your pension, and assist with optimising your AHV record if you have worked abroad or taken career breaks.
Pillar 2, Occupational Pension (BVG)
For most Swiss residents, the occupational pension is the largest pension component. We analyse your pension certificate, explain the implications of pension fund buy-ins (tax-deductible), evaluate options for early withdrawal for home ownership, and support strategic decisions such as lump-sum withdrawal versus lifetime annuity at retirement.
Pillar 3, Private pension provision
Private pension provision encompasses both restricted Pillar 3a (tax-deductible, limited availability) and unrestricted Pillar 3b (available at any time, not deductible). We plan optimal contribution levels, investment strategies, and payout timing with you, aligned with your individual tax bracket, retirement planning, and personal goals.
Holistic approach
Structured advice for every life stage
Structured advisory process
We follow a clear advisory process: initial consultation, situation review, analysis, recommendation, implementation, and ongoing support. Before making recommendations, we understand your full situation, income, assets, family, profession, plans, and personal values. Only then do we develop a strategy that fits you, not just our product range.
Specialist network
Comprehensive pension advice often requires multiple disciplines, tax, legal, insurance, investment, real estate. Northlake Partners has an established network of external specialists, tax advisors, lawyers, notaries, real estate experts, and coordinates their contributions into a coherent overall plan. You have one point of contact; we orchestrate the rest.
Impact of holistic planning
The impact of integrated planning exceeds the sum of its parts. When Pillar 3a, occupational pension, investment strategy, and tax planning are aligned, effects emerge, for example, optimised tax progression from a pension fund buy-in combined with maximised Pillar 3a contributions in the same year, that are not visible in isolation. We treat your finances as a system.
Without obligation
Let's discuss your situation
Every advisory engagement begins with a conversation, by phone, email, or in person in Zurich. We take the time to understand your situation before making recommendations. The initial consultation is free of charge and without obligation.