Leaving to EU - 2nd pillar

Visas, Permits, Passports and Naturalization
1
Hi,

Officially, I am leaving Switzerland permanently at the end of the year for Greece (EU). In reality, I have left already and subletting my flat for December.

I received a letter from my 2nd pillar provider that I should provide them with an account in my new country to transfer the 2nd pillar account sum. However, after some research, I realized that it is not possible to move the money when moving to an EU country, and I should open a vested benefits account with an institution to keep the amount for my retirement. Not only that but if somehow this money were to move it would be taxed.

Could you please confirm that all these are correct?

Now, if all the above are indeed correct, I am getting a bit nervous as I am not sure how to visit a bank and open such an account there as I said I am not physically there anymore (and Christmas is near). The only option would be to be able to do this remotely or perhaps with an online institution. I already have my 3rd pillar with VIAC so that could be a solution maybe...? Then, I am a bit worried as I am relatively young (37) and I don't know what will be the status of VIAC 30 years later. I certainly do not want to lose this money and I would feel more secure with a big bank I think. But I have not done research on this and perhaps VIAC or similar institutions might be a reliable option.

Since I am fairly uninformed about such matters, I would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

2
If they asked for an account number in Greece, give them your account number in Greece. If that's not acceptable, ask them what are your options. Now, depending on the amount involved and whether you can reclaim the Swiss withholding tax to be deducted from the amount, you may or may not need to transfer the funds to a low tax canton before withdrawing it.

3
Yes there are normally restrictions on paying out the 2nd pillar when moving to another EU country and the pension fund will be fully aware of these and will comply with them.

The intention of the law is to try to ensure you end up with the same entitlements to a pension in the new state as you had in Switzerland. So the application of the rules vary depending on the country you move to. This means you could get it all paid out, partially paid out or none of it paid out. Since they are offering to pay it all out, I can only guess the rules for Greece does not require them to retain it or else the amount is so small it is not significant in terms of a pension.

I'd say just do as they ask, provide your account details for your Greek account.

4
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