Researchers and grant recipients in Finland

Grants from Finland

If you get a grant from Finland for scientific research or artistic activity that takes place in Finland, you must take out statutory pension and accident insurance. In Finland, statutory pension and accident insurance cover for grant recipients is arranged by the Farmers' Social Insurance Institution (Mela).

If grant recipients do research work, artistic work or postgraduate studies in Finland on a Finnish grant insured under the Farmers’ Pension Act, they are entitled to social security and benefits from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) for the period of their grant work or postgraduate studies.

Grant from Finland, working abroad?

If you are working in another country on a Finnish grant, you need to check separately with Mela that you can keep your insurance cover. Coverage is valid if the grant recipient is still covered by Finnish social security while working abroad. The decision as to whether a person is covered by Finnish social security is made either by the Finnish Centre for Pensions or Kela.

If, in addition to a grant, you are receiving a salary from a foreign entity, you are covered by social security in your country of employment.

Grants from other countries

Recipients of grants from other countries cannot get pension insurance from Mela. If you are the recipient of a grant from another country but you live in Finland, you need to contact the institution responsible for pension insurance in your country of departure.