Though it has been in the works for several years, government has finally revealed what retirees – both those living in Switzerland and abroad – can expect to receive this December.
The Federal Office of Social Insurance (OFAS) has announced on September 15th that the average 13th pension paid to retirees in Switzerland for the first time in December will amount to 1,580 francs.
In reality, you will receive your regular monthly amount as the 13th payment.
How was the 1,580-franc figure calculated?
This is an average of a typical AHV/AVS pension received in 2026 by retirees.
(Keep in mind though that this is the amount you will receive as a supplementary payment at the end of this year. However, if the AHV/AVS pensions should increase, the figure for 2027 will be adjusted accordingly.)
There are, however, nuances.
For instance, the actual payout will vary depending on the marital status of the beneficiaries, as well as their place of residence.
While the average pension in Switzerland is 1,969 francs a month in 2026, it amounts to only 702 francs for people residing abroad.
That’s because many beneficiaries living in foreign countries had contributed to the Swiss social security system only for part of their working life and have therefore “contribution gaps.”
The amount of the state pension depends primarily on the duration of contribution and average earned income. Individuals who have paid contributions throughout the entire insurance period (44 years) receive a full pension.
Missing contribution years result in a partial pension – therefore foreign nationals who only worked in Switzerland for a limited time, will get much less.
READ MORE: Can I take my pension money with me when I leave Switzerland?
On the other hand, to qualify for the maximum full pension—currently 2,520 francs per month—the relevant average annual income over the entire insurance period must be at least 90,720 francs (as of 2026). If this income is 15,120 francs or less, the individual receives the minimum pension of 1,260 francs – including for the 13th payment.
Now, all this concerns only the first-pillar state pension.
Your monthly income will be higher if you receive the occupational pension and – even more so – the third pillar.
