What is the legal retirement age for women in Switzerland?
Since January 1, 2025, the AVS reference age for women has been gradually aligned with that of men, namely 65 years. This change stems from the AVS 21 reform, approved in 2022. It is being implemented in stages based on year of birth:
- Year of birth
- Retirement age
- Year of retirement
- 1960
- 1961
64 years + 3 months
2025-2026
- 1962
64 years + 6 months
2026-2027
- 1963
64 years + 9 months
2027-2028
- 1964
65 years old
2029
Retirement benefits for the transitional generation
The women of the transitional generation (born between 1961 and 1969) benefit from compensation measures to mitigate the effects of raising the retirement age to 65. Two forms of compensation are planned.
1. Increase in early retirement discount
Women born in 1961 and 1962 can begin drawing their old-age pension as early as 2023 or 2024, that is, before the compensation measures for the transitional generation come into effect. As a result, the more favorable reduction rates will only apply to them starting in 2025. Until then, they remain subject to the current reduction rates: 6.8% for one year of early retirement and 13.6% for two years. The lower their average income was, the smaller the reduction. This reduced rate applies for life.
2. Introduction of a lifetime supplement
If they retire at the reference age (without early withdrawal), they receive a monthly pension supplement for life, which varies depending on their income and year of birth. It can reach up to CHF 160 per month for women with modest incomes and a full contribution record. This supplement is not subject to a cap and does not reduce entitlement to supplementary benefits. You can calculate the supplement on the Federal Social Insurance Office (FSIO) website.
Frequently asked questions
The reference age is gradually increasing from 64 to 65 years. In 2025, it is 64 years and 3 months for women born in 1961. The full alignment to 65 years will be completed by 2028.
These are women born between 1961 and 1969, affected by the gradual increase in the retirement age. They benefit from specific compensation measures, including a pension supplement or a reduced penalty in case of early retirement.
Yes. Women from the transitional generation can take early retirement starting at 62 years old. For women born from 1970 onwards, the minimum age is 63. A lifelong reduction is applied, but it is eased for women born between 1961 and 1969.
It varies according to year of birth and average AHV income. For a full career, the supplement can reach up to 160 CHF per month. It is paid for life and is not subject to capping in the event of marriage.
Yes, from 2023 or 2024, but before the favorable rates come into effect. They are therefore temporarily subject to current rates: 6.8 % reduction for one year of anticipation, 13.6 % for two years. The new lower rates will only apply from 2025.
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