Moving abroad

Emigration is governed by international agreements between countries. The Nordic Countries form an area where its citizens are free to travel and work without a passport.

The citizens of EU Member States are free to take up residence in other Member States and live, study and work there. Most other countries require a permit granted by the authorities for residing, studying or working.

Finnish citizens moving to another EU Member State to work have the same rights and duties as the citizens of that country. Some of these rights also extend to the members of the employed person’s family. Whether such people are entitled to social security benefits depends on whether the move is short-term or permanent and which country the person is moving to.

Taxation and social security depend on nature of the job, the contractual relationship and residence in the country. A Finnish national living abroad pays taxes only once. There are mutual tax agreements between states which prevent double taxation. Tax agreements do not apply to social security payments.

Personal details and information on residence are kept up to date in Finland as long as people inform the local register office or a Finnish diplomatic representation. A move from Finland abroad (change of address notification) is notified in writing or electronically.