YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY RIGHTS

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

MOVING ACROSS EU

Your social security rights are protected when moving across the EU, but each country has its own social scheme. Check what rights you have in your host country.

WORKING ABROAD

When moving across the EU, you are insured in only one country at a time. This is usually the country where you actually work.

POSTED ABROAD

If you are sent temporarily to work in another country, you will stay insured in your home country (prove it with a PDA1 form).

SICK OR HAVING A CHILD ABROAD

When in need of healthcare while abroad, you can get it there, no matter where you are insured in the EU. Yet, your sickness, maternity and paternity cash benefits will be paid by your country of insurance. 

FAMILY BENEFITS

Family benefits are paid even when family members reside in different countries, with rules to avoid double payments.

UNEMPLOYMENT

If you lose your job, unemployment benefits are usually paid by the country where you last worked — with your insurance periods from other countries counted in. You can look for new work anywhere in the EU.

ACCIDENT AT WORK OR OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES

If you suffer an accident at work or from an occupational disease while abroad, you are  entitled to healthcare in the country where it happened, even if insured elsewhere. The cash benefits are paid by your country of insurance.

PENSION

When granting the pension, your career across the EU counts. Each country where you were insured for at least a year will pay you a pension based on how long you worked there — and you can receive it anywhere in the EU. 

Support and advice

If you face problems, EU services like Your Europe Advice, EURES or SOLVIT can help you understand and claim your rights.