When moving within the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland you will always be subject to the legislation of only one country. The social security institutions will assess under which country's legislation you are covered according to EU rules. 
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You work in one country

As a basic rule, you are subject to the legislation of the country where you actually work as an employed or a self-employed person. It doesn't matter where you live or where your employer is based. 

You work in one country but live in another one

If you work in a different EU country from the one where you live and you return to your country of residence daily, or at least once a week, you are a cross-border worker (so-called "frontier worker"). The country where you work is responsible for your social security benefits. Special rules apply to healthcare and unemployment. Find out more under our frequently asked questions.

You're posted to another country

If you are sent by your employer (or yourself, if you are self-employed) to work in another country for a maximum of 24 months, you will remain insured in your country of origin. This is the case of so-called "posted workers" to whom specific conditions apply. Find out more under our frequently asked questions.

You work in more than one country

• If you pursue a substantial part of your activity, at least 25%, in your country of residence, you will be covered by the legislation of that country.
• If you don't pursue a substantial part of your activity in your country of residence, you will be covered by the legislation of the country where the registered office or place of business of your employer is situated.
• If you work for several employers, whose registered offices are in different countries, you will be covered by the legislation of your country of residence; even if you don't pursue a substantial part of your activity there.
• If you are self-employed and you don't pursue a substantial part of your activity in your country of residence, you will be covered by the legislation of the country where the centre of interest of your activities is situated.
• If you pursue an employed and a self-employed activity in different countries, you will be insured in the country where you are employed.
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You don't work

If you do not work, EU rules still apply to you. Find out more under our frequently asked questions.

More information

Check our frequently asked questions for further information.