The short answer is yes. In most cases, you are entitled to both first and second pillars.
Since 1997, first-pillar AHV splitting occurs automatically on divorce. Both spouses' marital income is added and half credited to each. If you did not work but cared for children, each year with children under 16 earns a child-raising credit of three times the minimum pension, around 42’660 CHF. An income of this amount is credited for each year with at least one child under 16.
For relevant income, the marriage and divorce years are not included. Once divorce is complete, you may request income splitting without your former spouse's involvement from a compensation office to which either contributed during marriage. You receive an account overview afterwards.
Second-pillar balances earned during marriage are generally divided equally. If you have none and your spouse had 50'000 CHF before marriage and 1'700’000 CHF at divorce, they would owe you around 825'000 CHF ((1'700’000 – 50'000) / 2). If you also built a balance, half must likewise be shared. Departure from equal division is allowed in very few cases and requires court approval under strict conditions. The waiving person must have adequate retirement provision or other important reasons must exist.
In short: Even if you worked little or not at all during marriage, divorce does not leave you without retirement provision. AHV is split automatically and occupational pensions generally equally. We are happy to help with questions and welcome your enquiry.
