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Glossary

AHV (Old-Age and Survivors' Insurance)

The AHV (Old-Age and Survivors' Insurance) is Switzerland's compulsory state old-age and survivors' insurance (1st Pillar) and operates on a pay-as-you-go basis: the working generation finances current pensions through its contributions. It is governed by the AHVG and covers old age, death, and disability at basic provision level.

At a glance

01

Based on the pay-as-you-go principle (generational contract): active contributors finance current pensions (AHVG Art. 1 ff.).

02

Contribution obligation begins with employment from age 17 and for non-employed persons from age 21 (AHVG Art. 3).

03

Pension amount depends on contribution years and earned income; gaps in the contribution record result in pension reductions.

Frequently asked questions

In principle, all persons who are employed in Switzerland or have their domicile here are subject to AHV contributions. Employees pay contributions half-and-half with their employer; the self-employed pay their own rate. Non-employed persons make income- and wealth-dependent contributions (AHVG Art. 10).

Part of the topic

Vorsorge & Pensionierung

Sources: Bundesamt für Sozialversicherungen (BSV) · Systematische Rechtssammlung (fedlex)