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Income & taxes

13th month salary in Switzerland: how it works

The short answer: the 13th salary is an extra month's pay, usually paid in November/December (sometimes split June/December). It's contractual, not legally mandated – but standard in most Swiss employment contracts and fully taxable like normal salary.

Von Leutrim MiftarajGründer von BudgetHub, MSc Innovation Management (FFHS)

How it's calculated

Typically your monthly base salary once more, pro-rated if you start or leave mid-year. It counts as ordinary salary: AHV/ALV deductions and taxes apply, and it's included in pension-relevant income.

The budgeting trap

Treating the 13th as 'free money' in December is the classic mistake. Smarter: plan the year on 12 salaries and assign the 13th in advance – tax bill, health insurance annual payment (often with a discount), pillar 3a top-up or holiday fund.

Make it visible

Add it as expected income in your budget so December doesn't distort your averages.

Track these costs in your own budget: create your free Swiss budget in BudgetHub – in English, with Swiss categories built in.

Häufige Fragen

Is the 13th salary mandatory in Switzerland?+

No law requires it, but it's standard in most contracts and collective agreements. Check your employment contract.

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13th month salary in Switzerland: how it works · BudgetHub.ch