Pillar 3a: Your Freedom in Asset Distribution from 2027!

Introduction

Starting June 1, 2027, a significant change is coming to Pillar 3a! Until now, your assets automatically went to your spouse in the event of death. But now you have the option to equalize children and partners as well. What this means and what steps you should take now will be explained in this article.

Current Regulations

Currently, the distribution of the 3a assets in the event of death is clearly regulated. According to the BVV 3 regulation, the following order applies:

1. Spouse or registered partner
2. Direct descendants, the person with whom you have lived continuously for the last five years, persons you have significantly supported, as well as the person responsible for a common child
3. Parents
4. Siblings
5. Other heirs

As long as someone from rank 1 exists, all others receive nothing. This regulation may be fine for traditional families, but it can lead to problems in blended families. Often, children from previous relationships could not be considered.

Changes from June 1, 2027

The Federal Council decided on new rules on June 12, 2026, which bring two significant changes:

• Promotion to Rank 1: You can equalize your children or partner with your spouse and decide for yourself who receives how much. This can also be done individually for each child.
• 10 Percent Minimum: Each beneficiary in ranks 1 and 2 will receive at least 10 percent of the assets. This ensures that no one is effectively excluded with a share of less than 10 percent.

If you do not specify any shares after equalization, the assets will be distributed evenly among the beneficiaries.

Three Examples for Illustration

1. Married, two children: Previously, everything went to the wife. Now you can take the children into rank 1 and assign, for example, 80 percent to the wife and 10 percent each to the children. Or perhaps 30, 30, and 40 percent – as long as no one falls below 10 percent.

2. Blended Family: You are married for the second time and have a daughter from your first marriage. Currently, she receives nothing from your Pillar 3a. From June 2027, you can equalize her with your spouse and choose the shares yourself.

3. Cohabitation: Unmarried individuals could already divide the assets. However, the 10 percent minimum now applies. The condition for partners remains: five years of continuous cohabitation or a common child.

What Remains the Same

If you do nothing, everything stays the same. The new options are only effective if you actively use them. The notification must be sent in writing to your 3a institution (bank or insurance). A will alone is not sufficient. The Federal Office for Social Insurance recommends naming the beneficiaries directly and by name.

If you have multiple 3a accounts or policies, you need a separate declaration for each institution.

Caution with Existing Declarations

The 10 percent rule could also affect previous arrangements. For example, Swiss Life points out that from June 2027, everyone in ranks 1 and 2 will receive at least 10 percent, even if they are not mentioned in the individual beneficiary designation. If you have designated your partner for 100 percent and have two children, it may be that she ultimately receives only 80 percent.

How your institution handles these changes is outlined in the adjusted regulations. It’s worth asking! This regulation also applies to portability accounts and policies.

What Can You Do Now?

You still have time until June 1, 2027, but you can already start preparing today:

• Gather all 3a accounts and policies, including older ones from previous providers.
• Check what beneficiaries are recorded with each institution.
• Consider whether the standard order fits your family.
• If not: request the new form from your institution. Some providers are already accepting changes that will take effect on June 1, 2027.
• Keep the confirmation from the institution and inform your relatives.

A final note: Pillar 3a is only part of estate planning. For mandatory shares, marriage contracts, or larger amounts, you should consult a professional.

Where is Everything?

The best beneficiary is of little use if no one knows where the account is in case of an emergency. With ELVIDA, you can store your pension documents in one place, along with confirmations from the institutions. This way, your relatives will find everything they need.

Try ELVIDA for Free

This article does not replace legal or pension advice. Status: 07.10.2026.

Sources

• Federal Council, Press Release from 12.06.2026: Regulatory Adjustments in Pillars 2 and 3
• BSV, Communications on Occupational Pension No. 168 (Regulation Text and Explanations)
• Swiss Life: Important Information about Your Pillar 3a Pension Solution