Swiss Social Security Number

In Switzerland, every resident receives a personal social security number known as the AHV (Alters- und Hinterlassenenversicherung in German) or AVS (Assurance-vieillesse et survivants in French). This number is assigned once you’ve completed your residence registration, health insurance enrollment, and permit application. It is issued by the cantonal social security office.

Purpose of the Swiss AHV/AVS Number

The AHV/AVS number serves as your unique identifier within the Swiss social security system. It’s used to track your pension contributions and determine your entitlement to various social benefits.

Authorities use this number to verify employment details and assess eligibility for welfare or unemployment assistance. You’ll also be asked for your AHV/AVS number when you:

• Prove to your employer that you have valid health insurance.
• Claim your first-pillar (state) pension benefits.
• Change your basic health insurance policy.
• Add supplementary health coverage.

Obtaining an AHV/AVS Number

Anyone working in Switzerland under a Swiss employment contract, as well as their family members, must take out Swiss health insurance within three months of registration. Once the insurance application is processed, the insurer issues your AHV/AVS number, which also appears on your health insurance card.

This number remains permanent—it won’t change even if you move cantons or switch insurers.

Locating Your AHV/AVS Number

Your social security number appears on your Swiss health insurance card, provided by your insurer. The number is 13 digits long, always beginning with “756”, the country code for Switzerland. It is also printed on your health insurance policy documents.

Social Security Card

Apart from the health insurance card, some individuals also receive a separate social security card. This document contains the same information and is sent directly by the cantonal social security office after your employer registers you with the system.

Non-employed dependents do not get this separate card—they only use the one provided by their health insurer.

AHV/AVS Numbers for Expatriates on Assignment

Foreign employees who remain under a non-Swiss employment contract and are temporarily seconded to Switzerland are usually exempt from Swiss health insurance requirements. Because they are not registered in the Swiss social security system, they typically do not receive or need an AHV/AVS number.

Keeping Your Number After Leaving Switzerland

Even after leaving Switzerland, your AHV/AVS number remains valid. You’ll need it to access pension benefits from the Swiss first or second pillar if you continue to contribute after moving abroad.

If you ever return to Switzerland, you will keep the same AHV/AVS number—it does not change.