AHV when living abroad
1 tasks in suggested order
1. Apply for an AHV pension while living abroad
A Swiss AHV old-age pension is not paid automatically. Anyone living abroad must claim it through the authority responsible for their country of residence or their own insurance history.
Start the application several months before the desired pension start date so that responsibility and insurance periods can be clarified.
Depending on the country of residence, through the competent foreign social security institution or the Swiss Compensation Office; the AHV/IV information service explains the applicable route.
AHV number, identity and civil-status details, bank details, and information and evidence concerning Swiss and foreign insurance periods.
The AHV pension is not paid automatically. When living abroad, health-insurance rules and international social-security agreements may also be relevant.
Official source: AHV/IV Informationsstelle
