The Finnish social security system is designed to secure a basic standard of living for people in different life situations. All people who are permanently resident are eligible to receive social security benefits and services.

The Finnish Social Insurance Institution, Kela

The Finnish social security system is administered by the Finnish Social Insurance Institution, Kela. When you move to Finland permanently, you will be eligible to receive various benefits from Kela: this is called residence-based social security. In some cases, eligibility to receive Kela benefits is based on employment in Finland, i.e. you do not always have to live permanently in the country to be eligible.
More detailed information on social security is available on the Kela website in the Moving to Finland section and on the InTo Finland website.

Kela card

When you apply for coverage under the Finnish social security system, you will receive a personal health insurance card, the Kela card. This is proof of your eligibility to social security. When you are buying prescription medications at your pharmacy or paying for a doctor’s appointment at a private clinic, for instance, the Kela card entitles you to a discount.
 
All permanent residents in Finland are issued a Kela card. When you move to Finland, register at a local Kela office and complete the required application forms. 

What to bring along?

When you move, bring all your medical records and your children’s immunisation records. Remember also to bring your prescriptions if you have an illness that requires ongoing medical treatment. If you are on continuous medication, make sure the appropriate medicine is available in Finland.

Check the availability of a specific medicine on the National Agency for Medicines website.

National social security rules in Europe

National social security rules are coordinated within the EU to ensure that your cover is maintained when you move from one EU country to another.

For more information on EU-coordinated social security regulations in Europe, visit the EUlisses website.

Insurance for grant-receiving scientists 

Statutory pension (MYEL) and occupational accident insurance (MATA) for persons receiving a grant or scholarship is granted by the Farmers’ Social Insurance Institution (Mela).