Lost BVG credits? Here's how to find them
Losing track of your occupational pension assets is quite common, especially after several job changes or moving abroad. These funds, from the 2nd pillar (LPP), nevertheless represent an essential part of your future retirement income.
Fortunately, Switzerland has set up a centralized service: the Centrale du 2ᵉ pilier, linked to the LPP Guarantee Fund, which allows anyone to recover forgotten LPP assets. Here’s how the search works, who to contact, and the steps to follow.
What is the LOB Guarantee Fund?
The LOB Guarantee Fund is a national institution that plays a central role in Swiss occupational benefit planning. It was set up to guarantee pension assets in the event of pension fund insolvency, and to manage the 2nd Pillar Central Office, the official body responsible for tracing forgotten BVG assets.
Based in Bern, the LPP Guarantee Fund operates under the supervision of the Occupational Pension Supervisory Commission (CHS PP).
Why undertake a BVG asset search?
Carrying out a search for vested benefits assets allows you to recover your forgotten pension capital after a job change or leaving Switzerland. These funds, often transferred to the Substitute Occupational Benefit Institution (LPP), remain locked at a very low interest rate.
Recover your BVG/LPP assets in 4 steps
You can search for BVG assets free of charge at the 2nd Pillar Central Office, managed by the BVG Guarantee Fund. This official service compares your personal data with those of pension funds and vested benefits institutions.
Steps to follow
- 1. Fill in the official form at www.sfbvg.ch
- 2. Please enter your personal details: surname, first name, date of birth, AHV number and previous addresses in Switzerland.
- 3. Enclose a copy of passport or identity card
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4. Send application by post or e-mail to:
2nd Pillar Central Office
LOB Guarantee Fund
Organe de direction
Case postale 1023
3000 Berne 14
- 5. You'll receive a reply by post, usually within a few weeks.
Research is free of charge and can be carried out at any time, even several years after you have started working in Switzerland.
What should I do with my recovered assets?
Transfer to a new pension fund
If you return to work or change employer, your assets must be transferred to your new employer's pension fund. This transfer is mandatory and allows you to continue making active contributions to your occupational pension plan and consolidate your pension entitlements.
Opening a vested benefits account
If you don't yet have a job, or are interrupting your career, your assets can remain in a vested benefits account or policy with a bank or insurance company.
Your savings thus remain secure and interest-bearing, at a higher rate compared to the Substitute Occupational Benefit Institution (LPP), where returns are minimal. The capital can be invested in investment funds for greater performance. You can transfer these assets to a new pension fund as soon as you are re-affiliated.
Opening a vested benefits account
In certain special casesyou can request a cash payment of your assets:
- Definitive departure from Switzerland
- Purchase of a principal residence
- Setting up your account
- Retirement
Be careful, however, as an early withdrawal reduces your future benefits and is subject to capital gains tax (reduced tax separate from the rest of your income). It is therefore advisable to assess the consequences carefully before making any request.
Possible optimizations
To reduce your tax bill, it's sometimes a good idea to:
- allocate assets to two accounts (in two different institutions),
- spread withdrawals over two fiscal years in a row,
- or change the place of residence (e.g. before retirement).
Invexa manages your BVG/LPP assets
At Invexa, we support you in the search, transfer, and optimization of your LPP assets. We analyze your personal situation and help you recover, consolidate, and grow your pension capital to enhance your retirement plan or long-term projects.
We work with renowned banks and insurance companies to ensure that every franc of your 2nd pillar is properly invested and remunerated. Thanks to our independent and transparent approach, Invexa can help you turn your forgotten assets into a real asset.
Frequently asked questions
To find your BVG/LPP assets, simply complete the official search form available on the LOB Guarantee Fund.
Your request will be processed by the Centrale du 2ᵉ pilier, which will compare your data with that of pension funds and vested benefits institutions. If an asset is found, you will be contacted by mail.
The exact amount of your 2nd pillar credit is shown on your BVG certificate sent by your pension fund.
If you have changed employer or lost contact with a previous institution, the 2nd Pillar Central Office will tell you where your account is and the estimated amount of your assets.
You can recover your 2nd pillar assets in several situations:
- Definitive departure from Switzerland,
- Access to ownership of your main home,
- Transition to self-employment,
- Retirement.
At the 2nd pillar central office, managed by the LOB Guarantee Fund .
Invexa can also take care of the search and repatriation of your BVG assets. Don't hesitate to Contact us.
