How do you claim your pension as a Swiss cross-border worker?

"Marc, 62, worked for 25 years in Geneva while living in Annecy. With retirement approaching, he is wondering how to claim his Swiss and French entitlements. Between the administrative steps and the financial choices, he wants to avoid the traps and optimise his pension. Like him, many cross-border workers are looking for clear answers to make the transition calmly."

Understanding what makes retirement different for cross-border workers

Working in Switzerland and living in France brings advantages, but also some particularities when it comes to retirement. The Swiss system rests on three pillars:

• First pillar (AVS): old-age and survivors' insurance, compulsory for all workers.
• Second pillar (LPP): occupational pension provision, compulsory for employees earning an annual income above CHF 22'050.
• Third pillar: individual pension provision, optional, allowing you to top up your retirement income.

Getting ahead of the administrative steps

A pension is not awarded automatically. It is essential to file a claim at least 6 months before the date you want to retire.

For the first pillar (AVS)

• If you have worked only in Switzerland: send your claim directly to the Swiss Compensation Office (CSC) in Geneva.
• If you have a mixed career (France and Switzerland): file your claim with the CARSAT (or CNAV for the Ile-de-France region) where you live in France. They will forward form E202 to the CSC.

Each country will pay the share of the pension that concerns it, based on the periods contributed.

For the second pillar (LPP)

• Contact your pension fund to find out the payment options: pension, capital, or a combination of the two.
• Anticipate the timelines, which can range from a few months to 2 years.
• Think carefully about the choice between pension and capital, based on your personal and wealth situation.

For the third pillar

• Pillar 3a (tied): can be withdrawn as capital at the statutory retirement age, or 5 years before or after, depending on the case.
• Pillar 3b (free): can be withdrawn without any duration condition, though penalties may apply on early withdrawal.

Optimising your retirement: pension or capital?

The choice between drawing a lifetime pension or a single capital sum depends on several factors:

• Pension: offers income security, but does not allow you to pass capital on to your heirs.
• Capital: allows greater freedom to invest and to pass on, but requires disciplined management to avoid running the funds down.

We recommend consulting a wealth management adviser to assess the best option in the light of your goals and your situation.

Conclusion: a calm retirement through good preparation

Claiming your pension as a Swiss cross-border worker calls for anticipation and an understanding of the specific steps involved. By informing yourself and getting support, you can approach this new stage of life with peace of mind.

And you: have you started preparing for retirement?