EU social security coordination

The EU has common social security rules that make it easier for people to work, live and move across borders in Europe.

These rules help protect citizens’ rights while supporting fair labour mobility across EU countries.

Why this matters

16 million Europeans live or work in another EU country

Social security protects people during sickness, disability, unemployment, parenthood and old age

EU rules make it easier to move, work and live across borders

What the EU social security rules mean for you

If you move, work, study or retire in another European country, EU rules help protect your social security rights. They make sure you don't lose coverage when crossing borders and help determine which country is responsible for your social security.

The rules apply across the EU, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Specific coordination rules also apply to the United Kingdom.

National social security systems remain different – the EU does not replace them with one single system. All countries are free to decide who is to be insured under their legislation, which benefits are granted and under what conditions.

Who do these rules apply to?

Nationals of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland who are or have been insured in one of these countries
Stateless persons or refugees residing in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, who are or have been insured in one of these countries
Nationals of non-EU countries, legally residing in the EU, who have moved between these countries
Family members of someone insured in one of these countries

How the EU makes this possible

The EU rules on social security coordination, set out in Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009, have applied since 2010. In April 2026, EU countries approved revised rules that better reflect changes in labour markets and national social security systems.

The new rules simplify social security coordination for everyone: workers and others living abroad, businesses and national administrations. They strengthen fair labour mobility and protect workers.

Benefits of the new rules

Stronger protection of social security rights for people living or working in another EU country, including clearer rules on long-term care and family benefits. The rules also clarify when EU countries can limit access to benefits for people who are not working or looking for work.
Fairer labour mobility through stricter anti-fraud rules. Workers must be insured in their home country for at least three months before being posted abroad. After 24 months of posting, there must be a break of at least two months before another posting and postings must generally be notified in advance.
Better and fairer rules on unemployment benefits and more time to seek work in another country while keeping unemployment support.
Simplified social security rules and greater legal clarity for businesses operating across borders.
Stronger cooperation between national authorities through better information sharing, clearer procedures and new tools to prevent fraud, abuse and errors.

Key principles

One country only: people are covered by the social security system of one country at a time and pay contribution in one country only.
Equal treatment: people have the same rights and obligations as citizens of the country where they are covered.
Work and insurance history counts: when people claim benefits, previous periods of insurance, work or residence in other countries are considered if necessary.
Receiving benefits abroad: if people are entitled to a cash benefit, such as pensions or family benefits, they can generally also receive them even if they or their family live in another EU country.

The new rules will come into effect after European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have formally adopted them and they have been published in the EU’s official journal.