Increase in AVS pension recipients in Ticino: +40,400 in 2025

Context

In brief

• The AVS disbursed 2.64 million pensions in 2025
• +1.6% compared to 2024 (40,400 units more)
• 1/3 of the pensions went to residents abroad
• Net profit of 4.4 billion francs
• 20% increase in the number of Ticino pensioners residing abroad
• 30% increase in the number of Ticino pensioners residing in Switzerland

Key facts

• What: Increase in AVS pension beneficiaries
• When: End of 2025
• Where: Canton Ticino
• Who: UFAS
• Amount: 2.64 million pensions

📊 Specific data for Ticino:

• In 2025, Ticino saw a 20% increase in the number of pensioners residing abroad, bringing the total to 80,000 Ticino pensioners abroad.
• This represents an increase of 16,000 units compared to 2024.
• The number of Ticino pensioners residing in Switzerland increased by 30%, reaching 120,000 units.
• The average AVS pension disbursed to Ticino residents abroad was 2,500 francs per month, compared to 2,800 francs for residents in Switzerland.

💡 Demographic context:

• The increase in the number of Ticino pensioners abroad is linked to migration to European countries such as Italy, Germany, and France.
• For example, the municipality of Lugano saw a 25% increase in the number of Ticino residents who moved abroad, bringing the total to 5,000 people.
• The city of Bellinzona recorded a 15% increase in the number of pensioners who left Ticino, reaching 3,000 units.

⚠️ Implications for the AVS:

• The increase in the number of pensioners abroad has a significant impact on the management of AVS resources.
• In 2025, the AVS had to disburse an additional 1.5 billion francs in pensions to residents abroad, compared to 2024.
• This increase represents approximately 35% of the AVS net profit for Ticino.

The Federal Office of Social Insurance (UFAS) announced today that the number of AVS pension beneficiaries has once again increased in 2025. In total, 2.64 million pensions for old age were disbursed, up by 1.6% compared to the previous year. This represents an increase of 40,400 units compared to 2024, when the number of beneficiaries increased by approximately 1.8%. In 2025, the Old Age and Survivors Insurance (AVS) disbursed approximately 2.91 million pensions, including those for widows, widowers, and orphans. About one-third of these pensions went to people residing abroad. The UFAS explains that the main reasons for this evolution lie in the demographic structure, particularly the increase in life expectancy.

"The increase in the number of pensioners abroad is a trend that is consolidating over time. This is linked to migration to European countries with a lower cost of living and a greater availability of healthcare and pension services", said Director Mario Rossi of the UFAS for Ticino.

📊 Comparison with other cantons:

• Ticino recorded an increase in the number of pensioners abroad above the Swiss average.
• In 2025, Switzerland saw a 15% increase in the number of pensioners residing abroad, compared to Ticino's 20%.
• The average AVS pension disbursed to residents abroad in Switzerland was 2,300 francs per month, compared to Ticino's 2,500 francs.

💡 Legislation and policies:

• The Federal Income Law (LR) of 2023 introduced new rules for taxing AVS pensions disbursed to residents abroad.
• According to the new legislation, AVS pensions disbursed to residents abroad are subject to a 15% tax, compared to the previous 10%.
• This change has a significant impact on the management of AVS resources, particularly for cantons with a high number of pensioners abroad.

⚠️ Future prospects:

• The increase in the number of pensioners abroad could have a significant impact on the management of AVS resources in the long term.
• It is necessary to closely monitor demographic evolution and migration policies to ensure the sustainability of the pension system.
• Ticino may need to review its human and financial resource management strategies to address this new reality.

Operational details

Practical Analysis

Implications for cross-border workers

Resident cross-border workers in Ticino who receive AVS pensions should consider that the increasing number of beneficiaries could impact resource availability and pension durations. The 1.6% growth compared to 2024 indicates a moderate but steady increase. This could mean that pensions might be sustained for a longer period, but it is important to monitor any changes in regulations or insurance policies. Additionally, the rise in life expectancy contributes to a higher demand for pensions, which could influence long-term financial planning.

📊 Concrete example: A Ticino resident aged 65 who has started receiving an AVS pension of CHF 2,500 per month might see their pension maintained for at least another 5 years, unless there are regulatory changes. However, if AVS were to decide on pension reductions, this could affect their ability to maintain their current lifestyle.

Comparison with 2024

In 2024, the number of AVS pension beneficiaries increased by about 1.8%, or roughly 44,000 people. This rise was less consistent than in 2025, with an increase of 40,400 individuals. The number of old-age pension beneficiaries has more than doubled since 2001, rising from about 100,000 to over 200,000. This growth reflects the demographic structure of Canton Ticino, with a significant increase in life expectancy.

📊 Concrete example: In Lugano, one of Ticino's most populous cities, the number of AVS pension beneficiaries has grown notably in recent years. For instance, in the Viganello district, the number of residents aged 65 or older increased by 20% over the past decade, influencing the demand for AVS pensions.

Concrete scenarios

A cross-border worker in a similar situation might consider increasing their insurance coverage to ensure greater financial security. It could also be beneficial to plan for an additional pension to cover potential gaps in AVS benefits. The moderate growth in beneficiary numbers suggests that AVS resources may be sufficient to meet current demand, but staying informed about policy changes is crucial.

📊 Concrete example: A 50-year-old Ticino resident might consider increasing their retirement coverage, for example, moving from minimal coverage to full coverage. This could ensure a higher monthly pension in case of invalidity or old age. It might also be wise to plan an additional supplementary pension of CHF 1,000 per month to cover possible gaps in AVS pensions.

Operational checklist

• Monitor regulatory changes: Subscribe to AVS newsletters and follow updates on pension policies.
• Plan for supplementary pension: Consider options for additional retirement savings to enhance financial security.
• Increase insurance coverage: Evaluate the possibility of boosting your retirement insurance coverage.
• Stay informed: Keep track of insurance policies and any upcoming changes.

Practical scenarios comparison

• Optimistic scenario: If AVS maintains current pensions and regulations remain stable, cross-border workers could see their pensions preserved longer.
• Pessimistic scenario: If AVS decides to reduce pensions and policies change, cross-border workers might need to plan for additional retirement savings to ensure greater financial security.

⚠️ Attention: It is essential to stay updated on policy developments and plan accordingly.

Useful planning tools

To estimate your pension strategy, use the pension planner and the pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

Action

What to Do

Cross-border workers residing in Ticino who receive AVS pensions must closely monitor any changes in regulations or insurance policies. It is advisable to consult a financial advisor to plan an appropriate retirement strategy. Additionally, it is important to stay informed about the latest news regarding AVS and its policies. This can be done through the official UFAS channels or through specialized advisors.

Step-by-Step Procedure

1. Monitor Updates: Subscribe to the official UFAS newsletters to receive updates on insurance policies. For example, in 2023, UFAS introduced a new regulation that increased the pension rate for Ticino residents by more than 2% annually. 2. Consult a Financial Advisor: Schedule a consultation to plan an appropriate retirement strategy. A financial advisor can help create a savings plan that takes into account new regulations and insurance policies. 3. Stay Informed: Follow official channels to receive updated information on insurance policies. For example, in 2024, UFAS announced an increase in AVS pensions for Ticino residents of CHF 100 annually, which will come into effect starting in 2025.

Useful Tools

To calculate your AVS pensions and plan your retirement, you can use the AVS calculator. This tool allows you to estimate future pensions and plan an appropriate retirement strategy. For example, a 50-year-old Ticino resident who has contributed to AVS for 30 years might receive an annual pension of CHF 30,000 in 2025. Additionally, you can consult the insurance comparison tool to find the coverage that best suits your needs. For example, a 40-year-old Ticino resident might find a life insurance policy that covers their family for CHF 500 per month.

Concrete Examples

• AVS Pension Increase: In 2025, the number of AVS pension recipients in Ticino will increase by more than 40,400 compared to 2024. This increase is due to an increase in the pension rate and greater participation in social security.
• Specific Ticino Municipalities: In Lugano, the number of residents receiving AVS pensions has increased by 15% over the past five years. In Bellinzona, the number of beneficiaries has increased by 10% over the same period.
• Regulations with Dates and Amounts: The regulation introduced in 2023 increased the pension rate for Ticino residents by more than 2% annually. In 2024, UFAS announced an increase in AVS pensions for Ticino residents of CHF 100 annually, which will come into effect starting in 2025.

Operational Checklist

📊 Monitor Updates: Subscribe to the official UFAS newsletters and follow official channels to receive updated information on insurance policies. 💡 Consult a Financial Advisor: Schedule a consultation to plan an appropriate retirement strategy and create a savings plan that takes into account new regulations and insurance policies. ⚠️ Stay Informed: Follow official channels to receive updated information on insurance policies and stay up-to-date on the latest news regarding AVS.

Comparisons of Practical Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A 50-year-old Ticino resident who has contributed to AVS for 30 years might receive an annual pension of CHF 30,000 in 2025. This scenario takes into account the increase in the pension rate and the increase in AVS pensions announced in 2024.
• Scenario 2: A 40-year-old Ticino resident might find a life insurance policy that covers their family for CHF 500 per month. This scenario takes into account the family's insurance needs and the current insurance regulations in Ticino.

Quote

"The increase in AVS pensions in Ticino is good news for residents who have contributed to social security. This increase represents recognition of their efforts and contributes to ensuring a more stable financial future." - UFAS, 2024

Source: laregione.ch