Returning to Finland

You must notify Kela if you return to Finland. If you are still covered under the Finnish social security system, it is enough to call a Kela office to let us know that you are returning to Finland. It can also be done in Kela´s online service which is available in Finnish and Swedish.

However, if you are no longer covered, you must apply for coverage on Kela form Y 77e. This can also be done in Kela´s online service which is available in Finnish and Swedish. Once in Finland, you will be eligible for social security benefits right away if you intend to live in Finland permanently.

To qualify for parental benefits or for national pensions, you will have to meet certain residence requirements. If you moved to Finland from another EU/EEA country or from Switzerland, you will normally be able to count any periods of insurance completed there towards the Finnish residence requirements. For more details about specific benefits, see the section titled Payment of benefits.

More information

Updated 04/11/13