2nd pillar withdrawal when emigrating - what is permanent?

My position in a multinational company in CH has been eliminated. There is the possibility that I can apply for a new very interesting role with a fairly solid guarantee to receive it, but it’s in the UK. This is not the same position and nor an intra-company transfer, but a role I would need to apply for as a new UK employee.

As I am both a UK/CH dual citizen, this is something I am really considering, and also for motivations in my private life would like to relocate to the UK.

I understand that I can withdrawal my 2nd pillar when “leaving Switzerland permanently” or “for good” is how it’s worded in English. In German “Bei einer endgültigen Ausreise aus der Schweiz”. https://www.ch.ch/de/arbeit/altersvo…ng-der-2-saule

Obviously as a Swiss citizen I could always return for any reason. So what is meant by a permanent move abroad? If I decide in 6 months or 1 year or 20 to move back to CH, is there any impact on this withdrawal, either tax-wise or an obligation to replenish the funds withdrawn?

Other than providing my certificate of de-registration. How else does one demonstrate it’s a “permanent” move? Or do different rules apply for Swiss citizens emigrating in regards to the 2nd pillar?

Don't take my word for it but I vaguely remember reading on other forum that somebody recommended doing this to withdraw the 2nd pillar with no strings attached. He/She (not Swiss) claimed having done that themselves and returned back one or two years later.

I withdrew my contributions in 1991 and returned in 2001. No problems, AFAIK there is no minimum time to be abroad.

Not if you are Swiss.

Tom

Are your sure about this? I understand nationality has nothing to do with pillar 2 withdrawals.

The only restriction I am aware of is if leaving for an EU/EFTA country the mandatory part can't be withdrawn but the non-mandatory part can, even by a Swiss.

Hi Tom,

Are you sure you're not thinking about AHV rebates when emigrating - as that is related to citizenship? I have never heard of a limitation on 2nd pillar withdrawal for Swiss citizens. Can you please quote a source for this?

Tom.is wrong, you can do it as a Swiss - we did it. Just need permanent deregistration and when you return no one really asks anything.

Remember to look into moving the account to Schwyz if the amoun t is substantial to save on taxes.

K

Does it also apply for non-EU (no social agreements at all) on C permit, if I leave only for 6 months? i can take 2nd and 3rd pillar with me?