In this article
Key points
- From 1 June 2027, pillar 3a holders will be able to put their children, including those from a previous relationship, first in the order of beneficiaries.
- They will be able to divide the capital freely between the designated people, with a minimum share of 10% each.
- From 1 August 2026, the 13th OASI pension is excluded from the 85% limit: it will not reduce second-pillar pensions.
- If you take no action, the current order of beneficiaries remains valid.
More freedom in choosing pillar 3a beneficiaries, and extra protection for second-pillar pensions with the arrival of the 13th OASI pension: here are the changes approved on 12 June 2026 and what they mean for your pension provision.
On 12 June 2026, the Federal Council approved a series of amendments to the ordinances governing the second and third pillars. They cover two separate areas: greater flexibility in designating pillar 3a beneficiaries, in force from 1 June 2027, and the adjustment of the second pillar to the introduction of the 13th OASI pension, in force from 1 August 2026.
Below, we explain what is changing and the practical consequences for anyone planning their pension provision.
Pillar 3a: more freedom in choosing beneficiaries
Today, the order of pillar 3a beneficiaries is largely fixed. On death, the surviving spouse or registered partner takes priority, while children and other entitled persons come second.
For people in blended families, this rigidity often creates a real problem: at present, a married holder cannot give priority in their tied pension provision (3a) to their children, including children from a previous relationship.
The amendment to the BVV 3/OPP 3 (the Ordinance on Tax Deductions for Contributions to Recognised Forms of Pension Provision) makes this system more flexible. From 1 June 2027, holders will be able to move up to the first rank one or more beneficiaries from the second rank (for example their own children, including those from a previous relationship) and freely set how the capital is divided between them.
Pillar 3a: what is changing
Table 1| Criterion | Current rules | From 1 June 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Order of beneficiaries | Spouse or registered partner in first rank; children and others in second rank | Holders can move second-rank beneficiaries (children, cohabiting partner, etc.) up to the first rank |
| Children from a previous relationship | Cannot be priority beneficiaries if the holder is married | Can be priority beneficiaries alongside the spouse |
| Division of capital | Little room for customisation | Shares can be set freely between designated beneficiaries |
| Minimum share | None | At least 10% for each first- or second-rank beneficiary |
The new 10% minimum share
More freedom does not mean being able to exclude a beneficiary in practice.
Assidu
The amendment introduces a minimum share of 10% of the pension capital for each first- or second-rank beneficiary: token shares (such as 0.1% or 1%) that would amount to exclusion will not be allowed. The same protection is also introduced in the Vested Benefits Ordinance (FZV/OLP), to keep the rules consistent with the second pillar.
This protection is therefore far from theoretical. For many self-employed people, the third pillar is also their only form of pension provision: all the more reason to guarantee a minimum share to the people who depended financially on the holder.
Who benefits most
- Blended families, who are most affected: the reform reflects a family reality in which a new spouse and children from previous relationships live side by side.
- The self-employed, for whom pillar 3a is often the main pension instrument: they gain real room for manoeuvre in estate planning.
Second pillar: the 13th OASI pension will not reduce pensions
The second set of amendments concerns the second pillar and accompanies the introduction of the 13th OASI old-age pension, which will be paid for the first time in December 2026.
Under the BVV 2/OPP 2, the pension fund pension and the OASI pension together may not exceed 85% of the last salary subject to OASI contributions. Counting the 13th pension could have pushed some insured persons over this limit and led to a reduction in benefits: an outcome at odds with the very purpose of the 13th OASI pension.
To prevent this, the Federal Council decided to expressly exclude the 13th pension from this calculation. The amendment comes into force on 1 August 2026, before the first payment.
Another, more technical amendment to the BVV 2/OPP 2 will allow pension funds to hedge their currency risks using repurchase agreements (repos), on a temporary and limited basis. The aim is to enable pension funds to raise liquidity quickly when needed.
What this means for you in practice
For most insured persons, no immediate action is required: if you do nothing, the order of beneficiaries stays the same. The changes become relevant when you want to review your planning, and that is when it pays to take time to think it through.
If you live in a blended family or would like to divide your pillar 3a capital differently, you will be able to do so from 1 June 2027 by notifying your pension institution of your new arrangements in writing.
Key dates:
- 12 June 2026: the Federal Council approves the amendments to the ordinances
- 1 August 2026: the 13th OASI pension is excluded from the 85% limit (BVV 2/OPP 2)
- December 2026: first payment of the 13th OASI pension
- 1 June 2027: new rules on pillar 3a beneficiaries (BVV 3/OPP 3)
Finally, for people who already receive a pension or will soon do so, excluding the 13th OASI pension from the 85% calculation is an extra safeguard: second-pillar benefits will not be reduced because of the additional pension.
As an independent broker experienced in pension advice, we support private individuals, the self-employed and companies in reviewing beneficiary clauses and in estate planning. Checking today how your designations are set up, and understanding the options that will open up, is the best way to be ready for the 2026 and 2027 deadlines.
Frequently asked questions
When can I designate my children as priority beneficiaries of my third pillar?
From 1 June 2027, when the amendment to the BVV 3/OPP 3 comes into force. You will then be able to move one or more second-rank beneficiaries up to the first rank, including children from a previous relationship, even if you are married or in a registered partnership.
Can I leave a beneficiary only a token share?
No. The new rules set a minimum share of 10% of the pension capital for each first- or second-rank beneficiary. Lower shares, which would amount to exclusion, are not permitted.
Do I need to do anything now?
If you want to keep the current order of beneficiaries, no action is needed. If you want to change it, you can do so once the new provisions come into force, by notifying your pension institution of your choices in writing. Occupational pension funds (second pillar) also allow some freedom in designating beneficiaries of any death capital: check that the arrangements in place meet your needs.
Will the 13th OASI pension reduce my pension fund pension?
No. The Federal Council has excluded the 13th OASI pension from the calculation of the 85% limit on the last salary, to prevent reductions in second-pillar benefits. The measure has been in force since 1 August 2026.
Do these rules also apply to pillar 3b?
No. The changes concern pillar 3a (tied pension provision) and the second pillar. Flexible pension provision (3b) is governed by different rules, in particular those of ordinary inheritance law.
Sources: Federal Council press release of 12 June 2026 (Federal Social Insurance Office); Federal Statistical Office, third-pillar capital drawn in 2023.
