Retirement Plan Notice Template for Switzerland

A Retirement Plan Notice tells Swiss employees key information about their occupational pension benefits under the BVG (Federal Law on Occupational Retirement). It shows your current pension savings, expected retirement benefits, and contribution rates from both you and your employer. Think of it as your annual pension snapshot.

Swiss employers must send these notices to all insured employees once per year. The document helps workers track their retirement savings progress and understand their pension options, including early retirement possibilities and survivor benefits. It's especially important when changing jobs or planning major life decisions, as it shows exactly what benefits you've earned and what you can expect at retirement age.

Swiss employers need to send Retirement Plan Notices annually, typically in January, to comply with BVG pension regulations. You'll also need to issue these notices when employees join your company, change their employment status, or request pension information for major financial decisions.

Keep close track of life events that trigger notice requirements: marriages, divorces, or when staff members approach retirement age. Smart HR teams prepare notices proactively during salary adjustments and reorganizations. This helps avoid compliance issues with FINMA and gives employees time to review their pension situation and make informed choices about their retirement planning.

• Annual Status Notice: The standard yearly statement showing current pension savings, contributions, and projected benefits under the mandatory BVG system
• Entry Notice: Details initial pension arrangements when joining a new employer, including buy-in options and contribution rates
• Retirement Planning Notice: Comprehensive overview of pension options as retirement approaches, including early retirement calculations
• Modification Notice: Explains changes to pension plans following salary adjustments, job changes, or plan amendments
• Vested Benefits Notice: Provided when leaving an employer, showing transferable pension assets and available options

• Pension Fund Administrators: Generate and validate Retirement Plan Notices, ensure compliance with BVG regulations, and maintain accurate records
• HR Departments: Distribute notices to employees, handle questions, and coordinate with pension funds for updates
• Employers: Review and approve notices, ensure timely distribution, and maintain contribution obligations
• Employees: Receive annual notices, verify information accuracy, and use them for retirement planning decisions
• Financial Advisors: Help interpret notices for clients and integrate pension information into broader financial planning

• Employee Data: Gather current salary details, employment status, and contribution history from payroll records
• Pension Information: Collect current pension fund balance, vested benefits, and projected retirement amounts
• Personal Details: Verify employee's age, marital status, and any recent life changes affecting benefits
• Contribution Rates: Document both employer and employee contribution percentages according to BVG requirements
• Plan Changes: Note any modifications to pension fund terms or investment strategies from the previous year
• Quality Control: Review all calculations twice and ensure compliance with current Swiss pension regulations

• Employee Identification: Full name, AHV number, and employment details as required by BVG regulations
• Current Benefits: Total accumulated pension capital, including mandatory and extra-mandatory portions
• Contribution Details: Breakdown of employer and employee contributions, including risk premiums
• Projected Benefits: Expected retirement capital at normal retirement age with interest projections
• Vested Rights: Current transferable benefit amount and conditions for early withdrawal
• Legal Disclosures: Pension fund details, interest rates, and conversion rates per Swiss law
• Contact Information: Pension fund administrator details and procedure for queries or disputes

A Retirement Plan Notice differs significantly from a Retirement Plan. While both documents relate to pension benefits, they serve distinct purposes in Swiss occupational benefit systems.

• Purpose and Timing: A Retirement Plan Notice is an annual statement showing current benefits and projections, while a Retirement Plan is a comprehensive document outlining the entire pension scheme structure and rules
• Legal Status: The Notice serves as an informational update required by BVG law, whereas the Plan is a binding legal document establishing pension rights and obligations
• Content Scope: Notices focus on individual employee data and specific benefit amounts, while Plans cover broad policy terms, investment strategies, and governance rules
• Usage Context: Notices help employees track their personal pension progress, while Plans guide administrators in managing the entire pension fund