Quick guide when you move to Finland

When you move to Finland from another country, your entitlement to benefits from Kela is determined on the basis of how long you intend to stay in Finland, which country you come from and your reason for the stay in Finland.

Topics

To Finland permanently or temporarily? Working or looking for work Students and family members Benefits in Finland Move back to Finland

To Finland permanently or temporarily?

 

Permanent move to Finland

Persons who move to Finland on a permanent basis are usually entitled to social security coverage in Finland and benefits from Kela. Your situation is considered as a whole. For instance, returning migrants are considered to be living permanently in Finland.

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Temporary stay in Finland

If your stay in Finland is temporary, you will normally not be entitled to benefits from Kela.

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Medical care during temporary stay

Persons who stay temporarily in Finland may be entitled to medical treatment and reimbursements for medical care expenses.

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Apply for coverage under the Finnish social security system

You must be covered under the Finnish social security system in order to be entitled to Kela benefits.

 

 

 

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Working or looking for work

 

Coming to work in Finland

As an employee you may be entitled to social security coverage in Finland and benefits from Kela even if you do not move to Finland on a permanent basis. If you are a citizen of some other country than an EU or EEA country or Switzerland, you need a residence permit.

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Apply for coverage under the Finnish social security system

If you work in Finland, you should apply for coverage under the Finnish social security system. If you are a citizen of some other country than an EU or EEA country or Switzerland, you also need a residence permit.

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Looking for work in Finland

You can come to Finland to look for work here. Just on the basis of job search you cannot be granted Kela benefits, however.

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Students and family members

 

As a student in Finland

If you come to Finland to study here and Kela considers that your move to Finland is permanent, you may be entitled to some Kela benefits. The determination of whether the move to Finland is permanent may be affected by family ties or employment.

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Medical treatment if you have a European Health Insurance Card

If you come to Finland from an EU or EEA country or Switzerland to study here, you are entitled to necessary medical treatment if you have a European Health Insurance Card. Order the card in your home country before coming to Finland.

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To Finland as a family member

If you come to Finland to stay with a family member who is already living in Finland and your family member is entitled to the social security benefits handled by Kela, you can also apply for and be granted the benefits you need.

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Notify your move to Finland

If you have moved to Finland and you have not previously applied for benefits or the Kela card, you must file a notification of your move to Finland in addition to the application for a benefit or the Kela card. Family members who are over 18 years old must file a separate notification. Minor children are stated in the application of their parent.

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Benefits in Finland

 

Coverage under the social security system entitles to benefits

If you are covered under the Finnish social security system, you are entitled to Kela benefits. Benefits payable in Finland include e.g. general housing allowance, sickness allowance and child benefit.

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Move back to Finland

 

Notify Kela

If your entitlement to Kela benefits has been interrupted while you were living abroad, you can again receive benefits after your return to Finland. Notify Kela of your return to Finland. Just filing a notification of move with the local register office is not always enough.

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