Mobility is your choice.
Protection is your right.

Learn how to stay covered by social security, claim benefits, and meet obligations when you work, live or hire across EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Use this page to navigate EU social security rules — step by step, or by topic — and find what applies to you.

Your social security rights
Your journey abroad: before, during, after
All you need to know: A–Z
EU4SocialSecurity

Your social security rights

What always applies when you live, work, hire across the EU borders (plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).

Insured

You are insured in only one country at a time.

Rights

You have the same rights and obligations as nationals in the country where you are covered.

Abroad

Your years abroad count — when you claim benefits, periods of insurance, work or residence in other EU countries are recognised.

Benefits

You can receive benefits even if you live in another EU country (plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).

More on your social security rights in the EU
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Watch

  • Moving for work? Know how to stay protected
  • Work declared, stay protected
  • Hiring across EU borders
  • What if you get sick, have kids, or lose your job?
  • Plan your pension

Your journey abroad

Before moving / hiring

Check your rights when moving abroad

Your social security rights are protected across the EU, but each country has its own scheme.

Check what rights you have in your host country (or the country you move to)
How do EU social security rules protect me when I move abroad?

EU rules ensure you don't lose your rights, avoid double contributions, and keep entitlements.

Check your social security rights in the EU – unemployment, healthcare, pensions, family benefits
Which country’s social security system will cover me when I move?

You are usually covered by the system of the country where you work, but there are exceptions.

Check which country is responsible for your social security when working, living, or moving in the EU
Where can I check my rights in another EU country? Check here your country-by-country rights: pension, unemployment, family & more
Which social security forms (A1, U1 and others) do I need when moving abroad?

You may need forms such as A1 to prove that you pay social security contributions in another EU country, U1 and U2 when claiming unemployment benefit.

See the full list
How can I get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?

Request it from your current national health insurer.

Applying for EHIC
Your essentials before moving / hiring
  • Check which country’s system will cover you (home or host).
  • Gather and keep copies of key documents (employment contract, ID, EHIC, PD A1...).
  • Verify your rights in the country you’re moving to (healthcare, pension, unemployment, family benefits).
  • Employers who post workers: confirm posting rules and request PD A1 for staff if needed.

While abroad

If I work in two or more EU countries, which country covers my social security?

Only one country’s system will cover you. It's usually the country where you work, but there are exceptions. If you are not sure, check with social security institutions.

Check which is your “country of insurance” to know where your social security contributions and benefits apply.
Am I covered for healthcare if I live abroad?

Yes — if you are insured in one EU/EFTA country, you're entitled to healthcare when in another country.

Your healthcare cover abroad: how it works
Am I covered if I have an accident at work abroad?

Yes. Report it to your employer, your insurance institution and local authorities. Coverage follows EU rules.

All you need to know if having an accident at work abroad
What if I lose the job abroad?

If you lose your job while working in another EU country, which country pays your unemployment benefit depends on your work situation and place of residence - not your nationality.

Check which rules apply to your situation.
Which country pays my unemployment benefits?

Usually, the country where you last worked. There may be exceptions; if you are not sure, check with the social security institutions.

Check country rules for unemployment payments
What maternity and paternity rights do I have if I work abroad?

You're entitled to maternity/paternity benefits under the same rules as nationals of the country where you're insured.

Know your parental rights when working abroad
Which country pays my family benefits?

Normally, the country where you work. Additional rules apply if both parents work in different countries.

Check family benefit rules for your situation abroad
How do I claim my benefits and which forms do I need? See practical tips for social security claims, deadlines and portable documents when moving across the EU
Your essentials while abroad
  • Keep your EHIC with you for necessary healthcare access.
  • If unemployed, ask about benefits promptly in the country where you last worked.
  • Save proof of contributions and benefit claims (payslips, forms, certificates).
  • Employers: ensure contributions are paid in the correct country.

Returning home / retiring

Can I get unemployment benefits if I worked abroad?

Yes. Work and insurance periods in other countries are taken into account when you claim. Benefits may also be exported temporarily.

Check which country pays and how to claim your benefits
What are my rights if I become disabled in another EU country?

You may be entitled to invalidity benefits.

Check invalidity rights and procedures abroad
Retiring after working abroad: how to claim my pension if I worked in different EU countries?

If you have worked in several countries, your pension application is handled by the country where you live, or if you never worked there, by the country where you last worked. All your insured periods in other countries are taken into account to qualify for pension and to determine its amount.

Find out how to claim your pension See relevant answers about pensions
Which country pays my pension if I move?

Each country where you were insured for at least one year will pay a pension based on how long you were covered there. Your pension follows you across Europe.

See country-specific rules for payments abroad
Your essentials when returning home / retiring
  • Collect and keep records of all work and contributions in each country.
  • Apply for your pension in the country of residence or last employment.
  • If you become disabled, ask for information on invalidity rights in your country.
  • Ask early about obtaining your pension to avoid delays.

Employers

What are my social security obligations as an employer hiring across borders?

Ensure workers are covered in only one system. Pay contributions in the correct country.

Employer checklist for cross-border compliance
What rules apply when posting workers abroad?

When posting workers abroad, your employees will remain insured in the country from which they have been posted for up to two years.

Check the rules here
Where can I find contact points to get PD A1 forms?

The EU provides a directory of national offices.

Where to request forms
Your essentials as an employer
  • Identify which social security system applies to each employee (single applicable country).
  • Request PD A1 forms for posted workers.
  • Ensure contributions are paid in the correct country.
  • Keep documentation ready for checks and inspections.
  • Contact national social security institutions for advice if your employees work in more than one country or if your case is complex.
Mobile nav (journey)

All you need to know from A-Z

Quickly access official EU guidance, forms, and country-specific rules on social security when moving, working, or hiring across borders.

Mobile nav (topics)

Help / Support

Find Answers Need help with EU social security coordination? Find answers and support
Your Europe Advice Your Europe Advice Get legal advice
EURES EURES Job mobility support
SOLVIT SOLVIT Resolve issues with public authorities
EU Contact Centre EU Contact Centre Ask your question

About social security coordination: why it matters

Millions of Europeans live, work, or retire across EU borders. Being aware of your social security rights or how to claim benefits earned in different countries is very important.

EU social security coordination is a set of rules that ensure that national social security systems work together when people move across borders. While each country decides on its own rules, the EU provides a common framework to determine:

  • Which country’s system applies to you,
  • How your benefits are calculated and transferred,
  • How your insurance periods are recognised across countries.

This prevents issues like:

  • Double contributions,
  • Loss of entitlements,
  • Delays in benefit payments

Who should pay attention?

  • Workers and jobseekers: People who are moving to another country for a job, self-employment, or a temporary posting.
  • Employers: Companies sending staff abroad or hiring workers from other European countries.
  • People moving across borders: Families or individuals, including those from outside the EU who live and work legally in Europe.
  • Retirees: People receiving pensions or benefits from more than one country.
Mobility is your choice, protection is your right. Know your rights, use your rights.