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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.
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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.
Read moreTemporary stay in Finland
If your stay in Finland is temporary, you will normally not be entitled to benefits from Kela.
Read moreMedical care during temporary stay
Persons who stay temporarily in Finland may be entitled to medical treatment and reimbursements for medical care expenses.
Read moreWorking 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.
Read moreCheck your status
When you apply for a benefit Kela determines whether you are considered to be permanently resident in Finland or if you can become entitled to Kela benefits on the basis of your employment. Check what information Kela has about your residence and employment in Finland in Kela’s e-service (in Finnish and Swedish only).
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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.
Read moreMedical 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.
Read moreTo 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.
Read moreNotify 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.
Apply now Read moreBenefits 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.
Read moreMove 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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