Moving to Finland

Your right to social security benefits in Finland is, as a rule, decided by reference to the length of your residence in Finland. If you intend to take up permanent residence in Finland, you will normally be covered by the Finnish social security system and will qualify for Kela benefits as soon as you move to Finland.

The following are regarded as indications of a permanent move to Finland: return migration to Finland, employment in Finland lasting at least 2 years, and a marriage or other close familial relationship with a person permanently residing in Finland. As a further requirement, you are expected to have been issued a residence permit valid for at least one year (assuming a residence permit is required in the first place). Residence permits are issued by the  Finnish Immigration Service.

Persons moving to Finland on a permanent basis must apply for coverage under the Finnish social security system via Kela's online service (in Finnish and Swedish) or by filing a  Y 77e. Persons who are covered by the Finnish social security system receive a written decision confirming this fact. Coverage under the Finnish social security scheme can also be checked by accessing Kela's online service.

If you move to Finland on a temporary basis, you will normally not be entitled to social security benefits from Kela. For example, students moving to Finland for the sole purpose of studying are considered to be staying in Finland temporarily.

In certain cases you are covered by the Finnish social security system on the basis of your employment.

You will not be covered by the Finnish social security system if you receive benefits from another country under the EU legislation or a social security agreement, or are otherwise covered by the social security system of another country. This is the case with such persons as

  • workers posted from another EU/EEA country or from Switzerland
  • cross-border migrant workers who live in or take up residence in Finland but work in another EU/EEA country or in Switzerland
  • employees of a foreign government or an intergovernmental organization and their family members.

If you move to Finland temporarily from another EU/EEA country or from Switzerland, you will have access to necessary medical treatment by presenting your  European Health Insurance Card.

More information

Updated 04/11/13