Yes, you can contribute to a Pillar 3a account in Switzerland even if you are working part-time or on a freelance basis provided that you have earned income subject to AHV/AVS (social security) contributions.
The key requirement to be eligible for a Pillar 3a account is that you are gainfully employed and paying into the AHV/AVS system. It does not matter whether your income comes from full-time employment, part-time jobs, or self-employment. As long as your income is officially declared and AHV/AVS is being paid on it, you can open a 3a account and make contributions.
The maximum annual contribution depends on your employment situation:
You are responsible for calculating your allowable limit if you are self-employed without a pension fund, and it is best to work with a tax adviser or accountant to ensure your contributions are within the permitted range.
If you have multiple income sources, such as a part-time job with a pension and freelance income without one, the situation becomes more complex. In this case, your total allowable contribution usually follows the lower employee limit, unless your freelance income is significant and you opt out of the employer pension.
Opening a Pillar 3a account can be done through banks or insurance companies. Some platforms also offer investment-based 3a options, which may be more suitable depending on your circumstances.
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Please note that all content within this response has been prepared for information purposes only. This response does not constitute financial, legal or tax advice. Always ensure you speak to a regulated Financial Adviser before making any financial decisions.