1. Equal treatment
In principle, covered persons enjoy the same rights and are subject to the same obligations as nationals from contracting states, by virtue of the legislation in any such state.
In other words, as regards OASI/DI, one state is in principle obliged to accord the nationals of other contracting states the same treatment as its own nationals.
2. Applicable legislation
In principle, covered persons are subject to a single set of social security legislation.
Thus, persons in gainful employment are, in principle, subject to the legislation of the state in which they exercise that activity. A temporary posting to another state constitutes an exception to the principle of affiliation based on work location.
3. Benefits exporting
In principle, ordinary OASI/DI pensions can be exported anywhere in the world.
Only ordinary DI pensions at a rate lower than 50% remain restricted to the territory of the above states.
4. Cooperation
The contracting states are required to assist each other in implementing the Agreement.
5. Submission of benefit applications
Applications for benefits must be submitted in only one state, specifically to either the institution in the place of residence or the institution of the last state in which the legislation applied.
This institution is responsible for examining applications in accordance with its applicable legislation and for passing them on to the institutions of the other states concerned.
Request for a foreign benefit
Request for an old-age pension from Switzerland
Request for a survivors' pension from Switzerland
Request for a disability pension from Switzerland
6. Assessment of eligibility and calculation of pension
Each state has its own social security system and defines the conditions (retirement age, minimum contribution period, disability assessment, etc.) and the calculation basis for allocating benefits in accordance with its legislation.
In Switzerland, a minimum contribution period of one year is required for ordinary OASI pensions; for ordinary DI pensions, this period is three years.
Conditions for and calculation of Swiss old-age pensions
Conditions for and calculation of Swiss survivors' pensions
Conditions for and calculation of Swiss disability pensions
However, it is possible to include contribution periods from one or more of the above states, where the Swiss contribution periods are not sufficient to confer eligibility for a DI pension.
Provided the conditions for payment are met, Switzerland pays a pension calculated on the basis of insurance periods in accordance with its legislation. Persons who have been insured in more than one state may claim a partial pension from each of these states.
