Choosing pension fund beneficiaries in Switzerland

Can I choose who will get my pension fund assets if I die before retiring? Can I name my girlfirend as the beneficiary?

Hi there,

Procedures for inheritance of second pillar retirement assets is more strictly defined than that of life insurance policies and general wealth.

If you leave a spouse, orphaned children or a registered partner, they are the first in line to receive pension fund assets when you die. Preference is usually given to a spouse or child which receives social security benefits.

A non-registered partner, like your girlfriend, may be eligible to receive your pension fund assets if they can prove that you share one or more children, lived with you for 5 consecutive years up until your death, or supported you in a major way before your death.

The distribution of assets is also affected by each pension fund's specific regulations. Some pension funds may not pay out your assets to any other individual if you die before claiming your pension. A good place to start would be to ask your specific pension fund how assets would be distributed in the event of your death.

Best regards from Moneyguru

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