Can I pay voluntary AVS contributions from Italy? (cross-border guide)
Answered with official sources — AVS, AI and 2nd pillar LPP
Answer
Since 2001 voluntary AVS is restricted to Swiss and EU/EFTA citizens residing OUTSIDE EU/EFTA (LAVS art. 2) source: Fedlex LAVS RS 831.10. A cross-border worker residing in Italy CANNOT pay voluntary AVS; during inactive periods (unemployment, leave) they must pay in Italy (INPS Gestione Separata or Artigiani/Commercianti). An exception: AVS for non-active Swiss residents (18-65, housewives) remains mandatory but only relevant for B/C permit holders. Gaps can be closed via period totalisation using form U1/E205, earning a pro-rata pension without voluntary payments.
Official sources
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Request the individual contribution statement (CK/CI) from the Swiss Compensation Office (Geneva) via form 318.180, or online on ahv-iv.ch with AVS13. The statement shows years, months and amounts since 1948.
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