Living and working in Switzerland

Stay wealthy

State pension

If you receive any payment for work you are required by law to register with the state pension scheme - the first pillar (AHV in German/SVA in French). Failure to register will result in problems and you will have to pay interest on late payments. If you have been working already and have not yet registered, do so now. See this page in English for information on the Swiss state and other pensions.

Contributions to the state pension scheme are obligatory and you need to register if you receive any payment for work. Your own future old age pension also depends on contributions made throughout your working life. The first pillar provides for just the minimum state pension and is generally not sufficient for people to live on comfortably.

Occupational pension

The affiliation of ETAS to Pension Fund Music and Education in October 2006 was the result of long and considered consultation with AXA Winterthur regarding the best solution for our members' special requirements for 2nd pillar (occupational pension) insurance. Previously, private 3rd pillar insurance was the only alternative available to many members but 2nd pillar offers distinct advantages in terms of tax deductibility and disability benefits. We have since then already received the first Facultative Occupational Pension for self-employed teachers (FOP) registrations from members who are self-employed (registered as such and who pay their own AHV/AVS).

The administrative office will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Pension Fund Music and Education
Marktgasse 5
4051 Basel

Tel: 061 906 9900
Fax: 061 906 9901

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Visit the Pension Fund Music and Education website

Occupational Pension Fund (brochure in PDF, approx. 582 KB)

What happens if I change my job or employer?

Swiss law requires the full amount on your current pension fund to be transferred to your new employer's pension fund, without incurring any loss.

Can I still join the pension fund if I am over 60?

You can join the pension fund until the age of 64 (65 for men) and make contributions until you are 69 (70). The longer contribution period (as well as interest) will increase your future annual pension.

What are vested benefits?

This is a lump sum from a previous employer's pension fund, deposited in a non-accessible account reserved for your retirement and earning minimal interest, which you can invest in your current occupational pension fund in order to improve your retirement pension. 2nd pillar accounts currently earn 2.75%, but the Pension Fund Music and Education offers 3% interest. You can also make tax-relevant, one-off payments from your savings to your pension fund.

Loss-of-Earnings Insurance

If you are in any way financially dependent on your working income and are self-employed or employed working part-time, you also need insurance for loss-of-earnings due to medical incapacity to work. ETAS, together with AXA-Winterthur, offers such a loss-of-earnings insurance at preferential rates for our members, both institutional and individual. Premiums are considerably lower than in an individual policy with an insurer.

Loss-of-Earnings Insurance (brochure in PDF, approx. 260 KB)

For both Pension fund and Loss-of-Earnings Insurance, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Only give notice on existing policies once you have received written definitive acceptance from AXA Winterthur.

If you have questions which are not answered here please mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .