Työeläketurvakeskus: Finnish Centre for Pensions (ETK)

Detailed explanation

Finland has a comprehensive pension system with two main pillars. The earnings-related pension (työeläke) is based on your work history and salary in Finland, managed by private pension insurance companies. The national pension (kansaneläke) and guarantee pension (takuueläke) from Kela provide a minimum income for retirees with little or no earnings-related pension. ETK coordinates the earnings-related pension system.

Every employer in Finland is required to arrange pension insurance (TyEL insurance) for their employees. The pension contribution is shared between employer and employee; in 2026 the total contribution is approximately 25% of salary, with the employee paying about 7-8.5% depending on age. Self-employed persons have their own pension insurance (YEL).

ETK maintains the central register of all pension records and serves as the contact point for international pension inquiries. If you have worked in multiple countries, ETK coordinates with foreign pension institutions to determine your total pension entitlement under EU regulations and bilateral social security agreements.

How it affects expats

• •Pension accrual: You start earning pension rights from your first day of work in Finland, regardless of your nationality

• •Portability: Pension rights earned in Finland are yours permanently; they do not expire if you leave Finland

• •EU coordination: If you have worked in multiple EU/EEA countries, your pension periods are combined when calculating your total pension

• •Bilateral agreements: Finland has social security agreements with many non-EU countries, which may affect pension coordination

• •Record checking: You can check your accumulated pension estimate through the Työeläke.fi service (available in English)

Key pension facts for workers in Finland

• •Retirement age: Currently 65-66 years, gradually rising based on birth year

• •Accrual rate: 1.5% of annual earnings per year (higher rate of 1.7% for ages 53-62)

• •Minimum work: No minimum period; pension accrues from the first euro earned

• •Pension providers: Ilmarinen, Varma, Elo, and Veritas are the main pension insurance companies

• •Online access: Työeläke.fi provides pension estimates and work history records

Related terms

• •TyEL (Employee Pension Insurance) — Employee pension insurance in Finland

• •YEL (Self-Employed Pension) — Pension insurance for self-employed people

• •Kela — Finland's Social Insurance Institution

• •Palkka (Salary) — Finnish term for salary or wages