Working abroad

The social security coverage of persons moving abroad for employment purposes is decided by reference to the length of their residence abroad. The principal rule is that if you work abroad for less than a full year, you will retain your coverage under the Finnish social security system. If you work more than a year, you will normally lose your coverage under the Finnish social security system.

As an exception to the general rule concerning temporary residence abroad, if you move to another EU/EEA country or to Switzerland for the purpose of working there, you will normally be covered by the social security system of your country of employment. Under the EU regulations, you can only be covered by one national social security system at a time, usually the country in which you work.

Under certain circumstances, persons who work abroad for more than a year can retain their coverage under the Finnish social security system. Posted workers can apply to retain their coverage during a temporary assignment abroad. Civil servants retain their coverage automatically. Civil service employers are expected to notify Kela anytime a civil servant undertakes work outside Finland. The family members of posted workers and civil servants retain their coverage under the Finnish social security system automatically.

Kela issues decisions on the application of the Finnish social security legislation on workers who are assigned to a country other than an EU/EEA country or a country that has a social security agreement with Finland, and on the accompanying family members of posted workers. The Finnish Centre for Pensions (ETK) issues the corresponding decisions for workers posted to an EU/EEA country, to Switzerland or to a country that has a social security agreement with Finland.

More information

Updated 04/11/13