Essentially, pillar 3a is what is known as «restricted» or «tied» pension provision, and you cannot have it paid out just as you like. However, you can withdraw under certain circumstances:

• if you buy, build, or renovate a residential property (or the associated mortgage debt),

• if you leave Switzerland permanently,

• if you become self-employed,

• if you have to draw a disability pension (IV),

• or if you transfer your 3a assets to a pension fund.

If you would like to make an early withdrawal, go to your 3a dashboard, choose the portfolio you want to withdraw from («Manage Portfolio» > «Withdraw money / Close portfolio»), and select the reason why you want to withdraw the money.