Are you planning on becoming self-employed?

Did you know that self-employed persons and light entrepreneurs can receive the same benefits from Kela as employees? A light entrepreneur is a self-employed person who invoices for their work via an invoicing service. Unlike other self-employed persons, a light entrepreneur does not have a business ID or their own company.

Things to remember about Kela benefits and reimbursements

1. Kela can provide assistance to you in various life situations. For example, if you fall ill, have a child or need help with housing costs, you can receive the same benefits as an employee.
2. As a self-employed person, you can get sickness allowance or parental allowance, for example. Their amount is based on your annual income. Kela calculates their amount for you on the basis of your insurable income under the Self-Employed Persons’ Pensions Act. 
3. As a entrepreneur, you must take out pension insurance under the Self-Employed Persons’ Pensions Act if you estimate that your annual earnings will be more than 9 010,28 euros (in 2024). If your earnings are lower and you do not have insurance under the Self-Employed Persons’ Pensions Act, you might be entitled to the allowances at their minimum rate.
4. If you are paying for the Self-Employed Persons’ Pensions Scheme and arrange occupational health services for yourself, Kela will reimburse part of the costs of the occupational health services. You are also entitled to rehabilitation and rehabilitation allowance.
5. As a entrepreneur, the easiest way for you to manage your Kela-related matters is by using the OmaKela e-service (available in Finnish and Swedish). See also the quick guide for self-employed persons.

Read also Light entrepreneurship — getting started (vero.fi).