Substitute Occupational Benefit Institution

The Substitute Occupational Benefit Institution (SOBI) is a national pension fund in Switzerland that acts as a 2nd pillar safety net on behalf of the federal government. If employers do not voluntarily join a pension fund, they are automatically assigned to the SOBI. The SOBI accepts every employer and every individual if the legal requirements are met. This is to ensure that everyone is adequately insured. Self-employed persons can voluntarily join the SOBI. In addition, employees can also voluntarily join the SOBI if they work for several employers and their total income from all employers together exceeds the entry threshold of CHF 22’050 (as of 2023). In addition, insured individuals and employers can transfer the vested benefits assets to the SOBI when they leave the pension fund.