- The 3a is taxed on withdrawal, separately, at a rate that rises with the amount withdrawn in the same year.
- With 3 to 5 accounts withdrawn in different years, the tax often falls by a third to a half.
- Open the accounts now, and do not withdraw an account in the same year as your pension fund lump sum.
Why several accounts
On withdrawal, the 3a is taxed separately from your other income, at a reduced rate that rises with the amount withdrawn in the year. And a 3a account can only be withdrawn in one go. With a single account, all your capital therefore lands in the same year, at the highest rate. With several accounts, you withdraw one a year, each taxed lower.
Example, according to the FTA calculator: in Geneva, 300'000 francs withdrawn at once cost about 19'700 francs of tax. In five withdrawals of 60'000 francs, over five years, about 8'900 francs in total.
The calculation for your canton
The gap depends heavily on the canton: the tariff for capital benefits varies a lot from one canton to another. Set your canton, your expected 3a capital and the number of accounts:
Less tax:
ViaVest calculation with the 2026 tariffs of the FTA tax calculator (capital benefits): single person, aged 64, no church tax, in the cantonal capital, no other pension capital withdrawn in the same years. Indicative result.
300'000 francs at once or in five, by canton
| Canton (capital) | At once | In 5 withdrawals | Less tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geneva | CHF 19'687 | CHF 8'910 | CHF 10'777 |
| Vaud (Lausanne) | CHF 22'190 | CHF 10'785 | CHF 11'405 |
| Fribourg | CHF 23'221 | CHF 6'970 | CHF 16'251 |
| Neuchâtel | CHF 24'040 | CHF 14'845 | CHF 9'195 |
| Valais (Sion) | CHF 19'914 | CHF 13'270 | CHF 6'644 |
| Bern | CHF 20'889 | CHF 11'195 | CHF 9'694 |
| Zurich | CHF 18'061 | CHF 13'510 | CHF 4'551 |
FTA calculator, 2026 capital benefits: federal, cantonal and municipal tax, single person, aged 64, no church tax, in the cantonal capital. Five withdrawals of 60'000 francs in five different years, with no other pension capital withdrawn in those years.
How many accounts to open
Three to five accounts are generally enough: the gain then falls sharply with each extra account. Ordinary withdrawals happen over the 5 years before the reference age, or beyond if you are still working: five accounts allow one withdrawal a year. Digital providers offer up to 5 portfolios in the same app, at no extra cost.
How to fill them
Open the accounts early, and spread your contributions between them: an existing account generally cannot be split afterwards. Two simple methods:
- Fill one account after another: the first for a few years, then the next. Easy to follow.
- Split each contribution: an equal share into each account, so they are of similar size when you withdraw.
No need to open all five in the first year: what matters is having several, of similar size, when the time comes to withdraw.
In what order to withdraw them
- One account per calendar year, from 5 years before the reference age.
- Not in the same year as the pension fund lump sum: all capital benefits of the year add up, 3a, vested benefits and pension fund.
- Keep the biggest for last if you are still working: it can wait until 5 years after the reference age.
For a married couple, both spouses' withdrawals in the same year generally add up. Plan your withdrawals together, in different years.
Going further
The canton matters too. The tax on withdrawal depends on the canton where you live on that day: the gaps in the table above are large. If you retire elsewhere in Switzerland, withdrawing after the move can change the bill.
Prepare each account before its withdrawal. Since your accounts will be withdrawn in different years, reduce the equity share of each one in the years before its own withdrawal: see investing your 3a.
Leaving Switzerland? The 3a is paid out in full when you leave for good, taxed at source according to the foundation's canton. Several accounts let you spread those withdrawals too: see leaving Switzerland.
And when you pay in?What your 3a gives you back in tax every year, by canton and income.
Work out my savingYour next step
To do, at your own pace:
Path “Planning your retirement” · step 6 of 8
Frequently asked questions
Why open several 3a accounts?
Because a 3a account is withdrawn in one go, and the tax on withdrawal rises with the amount withdrawn in the same year. The same capital, spread over several accounts withdrawn in different years, costs much less tax.
How many 3a accounts should I open?
Three to five are generally enough. Beyond that, the extra gain becomes small. Digital providers such as finpension or VIAC offer up to 5 portfolios in the same app.
How much do I really save?
According to the FTA calculator (2026, single person), 300'000 francs withdrawn at once cost about 19'700 francs of tax in Geneva, against about 8'900 in five withdrawals of 60'000 francs over five years. In Lausanne, about 22'200 against 10'800.
When can I withdraw my 3a?
At the earliest 5 years before the AHV reference age, and at the latest at the reference age. If you are still working, you can postpone by up to 5 years. Early withdrawals (home, self-employment, leaving Switzerland for good) remain possible before.
I may leave Switzerland. Is it still worth it?
Yes. When you leave for good, you can have each 3a account paid out, taxed at source, according to the canton of the foundation. With several accounts, you can also spread those withdrawals over several years and pay less tax.
Does the pension fund withdrawal count too?
Yes. Pension capital paid out in the same year, 3a, vested benefits and pension fund capital, is added together for the tax calculation. Avoid withdrawing a 3a account in the same year as your pension fund lump sum.
Sources: FTA tax calculator (pension capital benefits, tax year 2026, single person, aged 64, no church tax, cantonal capitals) ; DBG / LIFD art. 38 (taxation of capital benefits) ; BVV 3 / OPP 3 art. 3 (payment of benefits) ; finpension and VIAC, number of 3a portfolios. ViaVest calculations.