SOCIAL SECURITY

The social security systems of the Nordic countries are very similar. The benefits and structure are much the same in all these countries. Within the Nordic countries social security follows the regulations of the EEA and the Nordic social security agreement.

Social security coverage is irrespective of nationality. Social security payments made while working and living in a Nordic country entitle the payee to social security coverage of that country. The host country and the country of permanent residency care for social security coverage for temporary employment. The country of employment pays family allowance.

One accumulates a pension benefit while working in a different Nordic country. You earn the right to a pension in the country you work. The pension is paid to the country in which you live at the time of retirement.

People living in Russia have the same right to a pension as a Russian citizen. Further information regarding social security matters can be found at the Murmansk area social security committee: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Unemployment insurance

The basic precondition for unemployment insurance eligibility is that the person is available to work in the country where they have applied for unemployment insurance benefits. The Nordic countries have a five year right to return policy, in other words the social security agreements between the Nordic countries exceptionally state that people have the right to unemployment insurance benefits, if for the past five years they have been covered by the statutory unemployment security legislation of the country from which unemployment security is now sought or have been in receipt of unemployment allowance from that country.

In Finland and Sweden there is a voluntary unemployment insurance handled by unemployment funds. In order to be covered by this insurance one must become a member of the unemployment fund. In addition there is also basic unemployment insurance.

In Norway there is obligatory national unemployment insurance, in other words all employees are automatically covered by unemployment insurance.

Finland

Unemployment funds pay an earnings-related daily allowance to unemployed members. An earnings-related daily allowance will be paid when both the stipulated membership and work conditions have been fulfilled.

People whom do not fulfill the conditions for an earnings-related or basic daily allowance benefit may apply for the labour market subsidy.  A first-time applicant without a vocational qualification will have a waiting period of 5 months before the labour market subsidy is paid.

Sweden

The voluntary earnings-related allowance is paid to members by the unemployment funds, for those whom fulfill the work conditions stipulated. The daily allowance paid depends on earnings before unemployment and is a maximum of 580 SEK/day. A basic insurance is paid to non-members of unemployment funds if they fulfill the working or studying conditions stipulated. The basic insurance is 240 SEK/day.

Russia

The employment laws cover a foreigner who resides permanently in Russia; therefore, as a registered applicant for employment, they have the right to the statutory earnings-related or daily unemployment allowance. Further information can be found at the Murmansk areas Ministry of Labour www-pages.

More information:

www.kela.fi Finland

www.mol.fi Finland

www.ams.se Sweden

www.aetat.no Norway