Can I reduce my AHV contributions if I have a secondary job?

Yes, if you are self employed and also employed, you can benefit from a tax-free annual income of CHF 2,300. This amount is deducted from your self-employment income before calculating your AHV contribution. This rule applies to both primary and secondary employment. The self employed switzerland guide explains how this works in practice. Additionally, if you are already paying AHV through your employment, you may request a lower contribution rate of 5.371% on your self-employment income, provided you have already met the minimum contribution through your job. This is a significant saving and should be explored with your Ausgleichskasse.

How do I cancel my self-employment registration?

To cancel your registration, you must formally request it from the Ausgleichskasse des Kantons Bern. This is required if you cease all self-employment activities. You can do this online via the ePortail or by submitting a written request. The cancellation will be processed after confirming that no further contributions are due. If you are dissolving a legal entity, the Ausgleichskasse will automatically update your status after the commercial register is updated. However, you should still notify them directly to ensure accuracy. The ahv self employed geneva guide provides a similar process for other cantons, but Bern has its own procedures. Always keep a copy of your cancellation confirmation. These steps cover the basics of self employed bern; verify with a qualified fiduciary before acting.

Bern (BE)AHV / AVSFreelancer

Self Employed Bern: AHV Registration Guide

Self employed Bern: how to gain AHV recognition, what contributions you owe, and the steps to register as a freelancer with the Bern compensation office.

Verified 4 days ago

5 min read

Updated Jun 2026

Verified against official sources in Switzerland. Last verified 4 days ago, Ausgleichskasse Bern.Status: current

CantonGeneva Zurich Zug Bern Basel Vaud

TopicVAT Company Formation AHV Employment Data Protection Annual Obligations

Business typeFreelancer GmbH AG Employer

Overview

Self Employed Bern: AHV Compliance Guide for Freelancers

If you are self employed in Bern, understanding your obligations under the Swiss AHV system is essential for legal compliance and financial stability. As a freelancer or sole proprietor, you are required to register with the local Ausgleichskasse and pay AHV contributions based on your self-employment income. The threshold of CHF 100,000 in annual turnover does not apply to self-employed individuals in the same way as it does for businesses, but your income still triggers mandatory contributions. You must register as a freelancer in Switzerland through the appropriate cantonal authority, and in Bern, this is managed by the Ausgleichskasse des Kantons Bern. Failure to comply can result in penalties, back payments, and even restrictions on future benefits. This guide covers everything you need to know about AHV contributions, registration steps, and ongoing compliance for self employed Bern residents. The self employed switzerland resource offers broader context, but local rules in Bern are specific and must be followed precisely.

What this guide covers

Registration process: How to formally register as a self-employed individual with the Bern cantonal Ausgleichskasse and obtain your contribution number.
Contribution calculation: How your self-employment income is assessed and the rate applied to determine your AHV/IV/EO contribution.
Payment schedule: When and how often contributions must be paid, including deadlines for annual, quarterly, and monthly installments.
Special cases: How part-time work, secondary employment, or retirement income affects your AHV obligations as a self-employed person.

10%

Contribution rate

Self-employed individuals pay 10% of their income from self-employment to AHV/IV/EO. This rate is set by federal law and applies uniformly across cantons, including Bern.

Annually, quarterly, or monthly

Payment frequency

The frequency depends on your estimated annual income. CHF 5,001 to CHF 200,000 triggers quarterly payments; above CHF 200,000 requires monthly payments.

06.01.2026

Deadline for January

The payment for January is due on the 4th working day of the month, which falls on 06.01.2026. Auszahlungstermine are published annually by the Ausgleichskasse.

CHF 2,300

Tax-free income

Self-employed individuals with secondary employment can claim a tax-free annual income of CHF 2,300, which reduces the taxable base for AHV contributions.

125%

Repartition value

For non-agricultural properties, the repartition value used in intercantonal tax allocation is 125% of the cantonal tax value. This affects the assessment of self-employment income in Bern.

CHF 1,400/month

Retirement work allowance

If you work after reaching retirement age, you can earn up to CHF 1,400 per month tax-free, with no AHV contributions due on that amount.

1-2 weeks

To begin your compliance journey as a self employed Bern resident, you must register with the Ausgleichskasse des Kantons Bern. This is mandatory for all self-employed individuals, regardless of nationality. You can initiate the process online via the ePortail system, or by submitting a paper form. If you are already registered as an employer, you can use the same portal to add your self-employment status. The how to become self employed in switzerland guide provides a broader overview, but Bern-specific procedures are managed locally. Once registered, you will receive a contribution number and a confirmation letter. It is crucial to ensure that your business name, address, and activity code are accurate to avoid delays in processing.

1 week

Determine Your Contribution Base

Your AHV contribution is calculated based on your net self-employment income. This includes all profits from your business after deducting legitimate business expenses. The repartition value for non-agricultural properties in Bern is 125%, which influences how your capital is assessed for AHV purposes. If you own real estate used in your business, this value is applied to determine the taxable portion of your income. You must file an annual declaration with the Ausgleichskasse, and if your income changes significantly, you should update your estimate to avoid over- or underpayment. The freelance switzerland resource offers tools to help estimate your income and contributions accurately.

Ongoing

Choose Your Payment Schedule

The payment frequency for your AHV contributions depends on your projected annual income. If your estimated income is below CHF 5,000, you pay annually. Between CHF 5,001 and CHF 200,000, you pay quarterly. Above CHF 200,000, monthly payments are required. The mode of payment is clearly defined in the cantonal guidelines. You will receive invoices based on your chosen schedule. It is important to pay on time to avoid interest and penalties. The Ausgleichskasse publishes a calendar of payment dates, including the 4th working day of each month for pension disbursements, which helps you plan your cash flow.

As needed

Report Changes and Updates

If your business structure changes, such as a change in address, business name, or activity code, you must inform the Ausgleichskasse immediately. For legal entities, changes to the commercial register are automatically reflected, but you should still confirm with the Ausgleichskasse. If you are no longer self-employed, you must request a cancellation of your registration. The continuer à travailler après l'âge de référence rules apply if you continue working after retirement age. You may benefit from a CHF 1,400 monthly tax-free allowance, which reduces your contribution base. Always keep records of all communications and updates for audit purposes.

Important Notes on AHV Compliance

The Ausgleichskasse des Kantons Bern handles all aspects of AHV, IV, and EO contributions for self-employed individuals. They also manage the integration of accident insurance through a partnership with Solida. This means that your AHV/IV/EO contributions are processed alongside your accident insurance premiums, simplifying your compliance. If you are an employer as well, you must report all employees and their salaries to the same authority. The hiring employees bern guide provides detailed steps for employer registration and payroll reporting. Remember, the Caisse de compensation du canton de Berne is your primary point of contact for all social security matters. Do not delay registration or payment, penalties are enforced strictly under the Bundesgesetz über Schuldbetreibung und Konkurs (SchKG).

Missing a payment deadline can lead to interest charges and formal notices from the Ausgleichskasse. While the canton does not automatically initiate debt collection, overdue payments are recorded and may affect your creditworthiness. The Caisse de compensation du canton de Berne may issue a formal reminder, and if unresolved, the case could be referred to a bailiff. It is crucial to communicate with the Ausgleichskasse immediately if you face a payment delay. They may offer a payment plan or allow a late submission with a small fee. Proactive communication is key to avoiding escalation.

Sources

Official Bern sources

Verified against official government sources

All rates and rules checked against primary Swiss federal and cantonal portals.

Be_ahv

Canton of Bern, AHV Compensation Office

AHV/IV compensation office for Canton Bern. Handles employer AHV registration and contributions for Bern-based businesses.

akbern.ch ↗

Content verified against these sources. Not legal advice.See full disclaimer

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