Guide
Registering with the AHV as a self-employed person – how it works
In short: As a self-employed person, you register yourself with an AHV compensation office – the cantonal office or your professional association’s office. You enclose evidence that you are already working, such as invoices or contracts. The office decides whether you are self-employed and sets your contributions: 10% of income, less for lower incomes (2026).
Step by step
- Find the competent office. Usually this is your canton’s compensation office. If you belong to a professional association with its own compensation office, that office is responsible. Directories: cantonal offices and AHV/IV contacts.
- Fill in the form. You will find it on your office’s website; many offices offer online registration.
- Enclose evidence. For example copies of invoices, contracts or quotes, your letterhead, a lease for your premises or a liability insurance policy.
- Wait for the decision. The office assesses case by case whether you are self-employed for this activity.
- Pay provisional contributions. The office sets provisional contributions, which you pay every quarter.
When? You must be able to show that you have already started your business. It is advisable to register within the first few months – that way you are insured as early as possible.
Contribution rates (2026)
| Annual income | AHV/IV/EO rate |
|---|---|
| from CHF 60,500 | 10.0% |
| CHF 10,100 to under 60,500 | 5.371% to 9.321% (sliding scale) |
| under CHF 10,100 | minimum contribution of CHF 530 a year |
Administrative costs of up to 5% of the contributions are added. As a self-employed person, you pay the full contributions yourself.
When to pay
- Provisional contributions: every quarter, no later than the 10th day after the end of the quarter – e.g. 10 April for the first quarter.
- Final contributions: once your tax assessment is available, the office issues a final statement. Any balance must be paid within 30 days.
- Default interest: late payments incur interest of 5% a year.
Tip from the leaflet: if your income changes significantly, tell the office straight away. This avoids a large back payment with interest.
Frequently asked questions
Which compensation office do I register with?
With the cantonal compensation office or – if you are a member of a professional association with its own compensation office – with that association's office. The list is available on ahv-iv.ch.
How much does AHV cost for a self-employed person?
From an annual income of CHF 60,500, the rate is 10% (AHV, IV and EO). Below that, a reduced rate of 5.371% to 9.321% applies. Below CHF 10,100 in income, you pay the minimum contribution of CHF 530 a year (2026). Administrative costs of up to 5% of the contributions are added.
What happens if my provisional contributions are too low?
The office invoices the difference as soon as your tax assessment is available. If you notice yourself that your provisional contributions are too low, you must report it immediately – otherwise default interest of 5% a year may be due.
I have a self-employed side business – do I have to register too?
If your income from the side business does not exceed CHF 2,500 a year, contributions are only collected at your request. Above that, they are due.
Sources
- Leaflet 2.02 – Contributions of the self-employed to AHV, IV and EO (as of 1 January 2026)
- SECO SME Portal: Self-employment guidelines
- FSIO: Social insurance guide for SMEs (German, as of 1 January 2026)
- List of cantonal compensation offices (ahv-iv.ch)
- AHV/IV contacts – professional compensation offices (ahv-iv.ch)
All information checked on 29 October 2026.