Pension Forecast (CH) – Calculator (AHV + BVG + Pillar 3)
Estimate your Swiss retirement income with realistic assumptions. This pension forecast calculator combines AHV (Pillar 1), BVG (Pillar 2) and optional Pillar 3 savings into a clear monthly and yearly projection.
- Fast estimate for monthly retirement income (AHV + BVG + optional private savings).
- Built for planning: shows “income gap” vs your target monthly budget.
- Next steps included: how to improve the forecast and close pension gaps.
Most people ask the same question: “How much pension will I get in Switzerland?” The honest answer is: it depends on your AHV contribution history, your BVG pension assets, and how much you save privately.
This calculator gives a planning-grade forecast (not an official benefit statement). It’s designed to help you make better decisions: whether you need more Pillar 3 savings, a pension fund buy-in, or changes to retirement age and withdrawal strategy.
Tip: For best accuracy, copy values from your pension fund statement and (if available) your AHV record.
1. How this pension forecast works
The calculator combines three potential income sources: AHV pension (Pillar 1), BVG pension (Pillar 2), and optionally private savings (Pillar 3 / investments) converted into an estimated monthly income.
Related: How Much Pension Will I Get? · Swiss 3-Pillar System Explained
2. Use the calculator (interactive)
Your pension forecast
Enter your numbers and click “Calculate forecast”. This result is a planning estimate.
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Want the official components? Use: AHV Pension Calculation · BVG Pension Calculation
3. What to enter (AHV, BVG, Pillar 3)
3.1 AHV (Pillar 1)
If you don’t have an official estimate, use a conservative placeholder and refine later. The biggest accuracy drivers are contribution years and income history.
3.2 BVG (Pillar 2)
Your pension fund statement often contains projections for retirement age. Use those as your starting point. If you consider a buy-in (Einkauf), model a higher BVG amount.
3.3 Private capital (Pillar 3 / investments)
Enter your total retirement-focused capital (3a + 3b + investments you plan to use). The calculator converts it into income using a drawdown rate. Choose a conservative rate if you want more safety.
Related: Pension Fund Statement (CH) · Pillar 3a Limits (CH) – 2026
4. Interpreting your results
Your forecast produces three outcomes: monthly income, yearly income, and a gap vs your target. The gap is the decision trigger: do you need to save more, retire later, or reduce expenses?
- Gap > 0: you likely have a pension shortfall — plan actions now.
- Gap ≈ 0: you’re on track — still add a buffer for healthcare and inflation.
- Gap < 0: you’re above target — consider extra safety or earlier retirement options.
If you want a budgeting view: Retirement Budget Switzerland
5. Improve your forecast: the most effective levers
| Lever | What it improves | Typical trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Maximise Pillar 3a contributions | Private capital + tax savings | Less short-term liquidity |
| Pension fund buy-in (Einkauf) | BVG benefits + taxes | Rules and lock-in periods may apply |
| Delay retirement | Higher pensions + fewer years to finance | Less free time earlier |
| Reduce target expenses | Gap closes immediately | Lifestyle changes |
| Optimise withdrawal strategy | Taxes + cashflow stability | Requires planning and discipline |
Related: Pension Gap Switzerland · Pension Fund Buy-In (Einkauf) · Lump Sum vs Annuity (CH)
6. Typical Swiss examples (mini-scenarios)
AHV 2’200 + BVG 1’800 + private capital 150’000 at 3.5% ≈ 437 CHF/month → total ≈ 4’437 CHF/month before buffer.
Higher BVG pension but smaller private assets = stable base income, less flexibility for big expenses.
More private capital = more flexibility, but also more responsibility and market risk.
7. Checklist: next steps after the calculation
- Get the real numbers: pension fund projections + AHV record/estimate.
- Define your target budget: use realistic retirement spending in Switzerland.
- Close the gap: choose 1–2 actions (3a max, buy-in, delay retirement, cost optimisation).
- Plan taxes: especially if you consider lump sums or retirement abroad.
- Recalculate yearly: update your forecast every year (or after job changes).
Helpful: Pre-Retirement Checklist · Ultimate Retirement Planning Checklist
8. FAQ: pension forecast Switzerland
Is this an official Swiss pension calculator?
No. This is a planning calculator to estimate retirement income based on realistic inputs. For official values, use your pension fund statement and AHV records.
How do I find my BVG pension estimate?
Your annual pension fund statement typically includes projected retirement benefits. Use those projections or ask your pension fund for an updated calculation.
What drawdown rate should I use for private capital?
Conservative planning often uses lower rates (e.g., 3–3.5%). Higher rates increase projected income but also increase the risk of running out of money if markets perform poorly or you live very long.
What if my calculator result shows a gap?
A gap is a signal to adjust your plan: increase Pillar 3 savings, consider a BVG buy-in, delay retirement, optimise taxes, or reduce expenses. Start with one lever and recalculate.
Turn your forecast into a real retirement plan
With BudgetHub you can track your pillars, model scenarios (early retirement, lump sum vs annuity), and see your pension gap clearly — so your next decision is based on numbers, not guesswork.
Create your free budget