Minimum pension in Switzerland: the 2026 AVS minimum and what you really get

Minimum and maximum AVS pension in 2026

The AVS calculates your pension from two factors: the length of your contribution record and your average annual income (revalued earnings, plus any credits for child-raising or caring). With a full 44-year record (scale 44), a single person's old-age pension ranges from CHF 1,260 to CHF 2,520 a month.

You receive the full minimum pension if your average income is no more than CHF 15,120 a year. Above that, the pension rises with income up to the maximum, reached at an average income of CHF 90,720. The 2025 amounts still apply in 2026; the Federal Council normally adjusts them every two years.

With gaps, your pension falls below the minimum

The CHF 1,260 "minimum" is not a guaranteed floor: it only applies to full pensions. With fewer than 44 contribution years you receive a partial pension (scales 1 to 43), reduced by about 1/44 for each missing year. The minimum pension is reduced in the same proportion.

With 30 contribution years and a low income, your pension is therefore about 1,260 × 30/44, or roughly CHF 859 a month. With 20 years it drops to about CHF 573. Gaps often come from years abroad, study years without contributions or periods without work that were not registered: you can only make up the last five years.

The 13th AVS pension and couples

From December 2026 the AVS pays a 13th pension equal to one twelfth of the old-age pensions received during the year. On a full minimum pension drawn all year, that is CHF 1,260 more, or CHF 16,380 a year instead of 15,120.

For married couples, the two pensions together cannot exceed 150% of the maximum pension, i.e. CHF 3,780 a month. Two full minimum pensions (2 × 1,260 = CHF 2,520) are well below that cap and are paid in full. During the marriage, the spouses' incomes are also split, which often raises the pension of the lower-earning spouse.

What you really get: typical profiles

The table summarises a few common profiles. Above all it shows that the decisive factor is not so much income as how complete your Swiss contribution record is.

No guaranteed minimum income: the role of supplementary benefits

If your AVS pension, pension fund and savings are not enough, supplementary benefits (EL/PC) step in. They do not guarantee a minimum pension, but cover the gap between recognised expenses (general living needs of CHF 20,670 a year for a single person, rent up to a regional cap, health insurance premium) and countable income. As a rule you must live in Switzerland and have paid AVS contributions for at least ten years.

Example: a single person on the full minimum pension (CHF 15,120 a year), with no pension fund, rent of CHF 1,200 a month and an average premium of CHF 6,000 has recognised expenses of about CHF 41,070. The supplementary benefit comes to about CHF 25,950 a year, roughly CHF 2,160 a month. The 13th pension is paid on top without reducing it.

And the 2nd pillar? No minimum LPP pension

Occupational pensions have no minimum pension. A minimum conversion rate of 6.8% does however apply to the mandatory part of your retirement savings: CHF 100,000 of mandatory savings give at least CHF 6,800 of annual pension. On the extra-mandatory part, funds often apply lower rates.

Anyone earning less than the LPP entry threshold of CHF 22,680 a year with an employer is not compulsorily insured: this affects many part-time careers, which often end with the AVS alone. Pillar 3a, where possible, is then the only way to top up your provision.

How to improve a low pension

Request your individual account statement from your compensation office for free and fill any gaps that can still be made up (the last five years). Check that child-raising credits are recorded. Consider deferring your pension (up to +31.5% at 70) if you can afford it, and LPP buy-ins or pillar 3a while you are still working.

RetirePlan calculates your AVS pension, 2nd pillar and retirement budget for free, and shows whether and when your income is enough. If you would like a personal review, an optional expert analysis is available.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum AVS pension in 2026?

CHF 1,260 a month for a single person with a full contribution record (44 years), i.e. CHF 15,120 a year, plus the 13th pension from December 2026. The maximum pension is CHF 2,520 a month.

Can my AVS pension be lower than the minimum?

Yes. The CHF 1,260 minimum only applies to full pensions. With missing years you receive a partial pension reduced by about 1/44 per year: with 30 contribution years and a low income, about CHF 859 a month.

Is there a guaranteed minimum income for retirees in Switzerland?

No, there is no guaranteed minimum pension. People who cannot cover their basic needs are, however, entitled to supplementary benefits, which close the gap between recognised expenses and income.

How much does a couple on the minimum pension receive?

With two full careers, two minimum pensions of CHF 1,260, i.e. CHF 2,520 a month in total. The couples' cap (150% of the maximum pension, CHF 3,780) is not reached, so the pensions are not reduced.

What income gives you the minimum pension?

An average annual income of up to CHF 15,120 together with 44 contribution years. Child-raising and care credits raise your average income and therefore often your pension.

Is there a minimum pension from the pension fund?

No. The LPP has no minimum pension, but a minimum conversion rate of 6.8% on the mandatory savings. Below the entry threshold of CHF 22,680 in annual salary you are not compulsorily insured.