Requirements for withdrawing from the pension fund when setting up a company
As soon as young entrepreneurs take the step into self-employment, the question arises whether a withdrawal of the pension fund is possible. In the following blog post you will find instructions for the early withdrawal of the pension fund.
1 With which legal forms is a withdrawal of the pension fund possible?
Withdrawal of the pension fund is only possible when founding a partnership (sole proprietorship, general partnership, etc.). In addition, the self-employed activity must be your main occupation. On the other hand, it is not possible to draw the pension fund money if you want to use the money directly for the foundation of a corporation (LLC or PLC).
An entry in the commercial register is not necessary to receive the pension fund, but it is highly recommended to make an entry already when founding the company, as this increases the credibility of the project. In addition, you will receive an official document which you can use in business transactions – the extract from the Commercial Register.
2 Procedure for the pension fund withdrawal
You must be able to prove to the competent compensation fund that you will become self-employed. To do this, you must complete the enclosed old-age and survivors’ insurance (AHV) form and enclose suitable evidence such as:
- At least three offers to potential customers
- At least three invoices already issued to customers
- Letter of resignation to/from last employer
- Copy of the commercial register
- Business cards
- Letterhead with logo
- Your own homepage (if already available)
- A short description/business plan of your project
- Already signed lease contracts etc.
Send the dossier with the completed questionnaire to your compensation office. After 10-14 days you should receive a confirmation from the compensation office that you have been accepted as self-employed.
You must now send the confirmation from your compensation fund to your pension fund or to the bank (in the case of a vested benefits account). You should then receive the money from your pension fund.
The pension fund money must be paid out within 12 months of taking up self-employment. After that, early withdrawal is no longer possible.
It is best to set up your company via STARTUPS.CH. Here you will be professionally supported before and after the foundation. In addition, STARTUPS.CH provides you with a broad network of trustees and tax advisors throughout Switzerland.
