Quick guide when you move abroad
When you move abroad from Finland, your entitlement to benefits from Kela is determined on the basis of how long you intend to stay abroad, to which country you move and your reason for the stay abroad.
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Abroad for less than 6 months
Abroad for less than 6 months
If you stay abroad temporarily, that is for less than 6 months, you are usually entitled to Kela benefits.
Read moreNotify Kela even if you move abroad temporarily
Not all Kela benefits are paid abroad even during temporary stays abroad. Notify Kela if you receive child care allowance or general housing allowance, or you buy prescription medicines to cover the need for medication for more than 3 months due to a stay abroad.
Apply now Read moreAbroad for more than 6 months
If you move abroad for more than 6 months, your entitlement to Kela benefits usually ends on the day of moving abroad.
Read moreKela issues a decision on the benefits
f you no longer have the right to receive a Kela benefit, you will receive a decision about this.
Working abroad
Work in an EU country or at sea
Even a short employment spell in an EU or EEA country or Switzerland will usually end your entitlement to Kela benefits even if you live in Finland. The same rule applies to work at sea on board a vessel carrying the flag of another Member State.
Read morePosted worker abroad
If you are a posted worker, you can remain covered under the Finnish social security system. If you are posted to an EU or EEA country, Switzerland or a country that has a social security agreement with Finland, you should apply for coverage under the social security system with the Finnish Centre for Pensions (Eläketurvakeskus).
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Apply for coverage under the Finnish social security system for the duration of the posting
You must together with your employer notify Kela if you are posted to work in some other country than an EU or EEA country, Switzerland or a country that has a social security agreement with Finland for more than 6 months.
If your family accompanies you abroad, your family members must also notify their stay abroad. This is especially important if your family accompanies you abroad and you or a family member receive Kela benefits.
Apply now Read moreStudents and family members
As a student abroad
You may receive Kela benefits even if you study abroad for longer than 6 months.
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Residence abroad in retirement
Staying part of the year abroad on a regular basis
You are usually entitled to Kela benefits if you stay abroad for a maximum of 6 months without interruption.
Read moreResidence abroad as a family member
If you accompany your family member who is entitled to social security coverage to another country, you are also entitled to social security coverage and Kela benefits.
Read morePermanent move abroad
Your entitlement to Kela benefits usually ends on the day of moving. If you move to an EU or EEA country or Switzerland, you can still receive certain Kela benefits, such as national pension.
Read morePayment of benefits abroad
Benefits can be paid abroad
You can usually receive benefits from Kela in the same manner as if you were living in Finland if you stay abroad temporarily. You can also receive benefits from Kela during stays abroad of more than 6 months if you for instance study abroad on a full-time basis or if you work abroad as a posted worker. Please note, however, that for instance social assistance is only paid for costs incurred in Finland.
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