Executive Summary
The Concept: A CHF 120,000 salary is usually paid as 13 payments of ~9,230, not 12 payments of 10,000.
The Shock: Mandatory social security deductions (AHV, IV, Pension, etc.) will reduce your gross payout by approximately 10-15% before a single franc of income tax is paid.
The Tax: If you hold a Permit B or L, income tax is deducted directly from your salary ("Quellensteuer") on top of social deductions.
Expats are often confused by their first Swiss employment contract. Why is the monthly amount lower than expected? What is "AHV"? And why did I get a double salary in December?
Deep Dive: The "13th Month" Salary
It sounds like a bonus, but it is not. It is simply your agreed annual salary divided by 13 instead of 12.
- Why? It acts as a forced savings mechanism for end-of-year bills (taxes, Christmas, insurance premiums).
- Payout: Usually paid with the November or December payroll.
- Pro-Rata: If you start in July, you receive 6/12ths of the 13th month in December. It is earned income, not a discretionary gift.
The Deduction Breakdown (Payslip Decoder)
Before your salary hits your bank account, the state takes its cut for social security. These are mandatory.
| Code | Description | Rate (Employee) |
|---|---|---|
| AHV / IV / EO | Old Age (OASI), Disability, and Income Compensation (Maternity/Military). The bedrock of Swiss social security. | 5.3% |
| ALV | Unemployment Insurance. Covers you if you lose your job (70-80% of salary for 18 months). | 1.1% |
| NBU | Non-Occupational Accident Insurance. Covers accidents in your free time (skiing, hiking). | ~1.0 - 2.0% |
| KTG | Daily Sickness Allowance. Pays your salary if you are sick for a long period. | ~0.5% |
| BVG / LPP | Occupational Pension (Pillar 2). Deducted automatically. Rate rises with age. | ~3.5 - 9.0% |
Tax at Source (Quellensteuer)
If you hold a Permit B or L, your employer also acts as the tax collector. They deduct income tax directly from your monthly pay based on your canton's tariff.
Is your tariff correct?
Standard tariffs often ignore specific deductions like Pillar 3a contributions, commute costs, or childcare. You can file a Tariff Correction (TOU) by March 31st of the following year to claim money back.
Expat-Savvy.ch
Unsure if you are overpaying tax at source? Get a professional review.
Review Tax StatusOptimizing Your Net Salary
You cannot change mandatory deductions, but you can optimize your overall budget.
1. Pension Buy-ins
Voluntary contributions to your Pillar 2 (Pension Fund) are 100% tax-deductible. This lowers your taxable income and saves you money.
2. Health Insurance Optimization
Health insurance (KVG) is not deducted from your payroll. It is a private bill you pay from your net salary. Choosing the right franchise and model can save you CHF 2,000+ per year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 13th month guaranteed?
Only if defined in your specific employment contract or the collective labor agreement (GAV). While extremely common (90%+ of jobs), it is not a federal legal requirement. Verify your contract.
What happens if I quit in June?
You are entitled to a pro-rata payment. If the 13th month is CHF 12,000 and you leave on June 30th (exactly halfway through the year), you must receive CHF 6,000 with your final payslip.