Kela card for an EU citizen

[soulshine]

Hi everyone!

I am a foreign citizen working in Finland (long term work permit in Finland).
My girlfriend is citizen of Estonia (EU) and plans to join me here in the nearest future. I called Kela asking what would she need in order to apply for a Kela card. They told me that after registering in the police (a formality) she can apply for the card on the basis of family ties and that she would need to demonstrate we had lived together for 2 years. I repeated several times that she is EU citizen but I still got the same answer. For some reason I beleive that this answer is not good.

I would greatly appreciate if anyone that had the same situation (girlfriend EU citizen from another EU country trying to get Kela card) can give me any hints/tips.

Thanks!

[Hank W.]

Estonia is "new" EU. Its different from "old" EU. There is restricted movement for "new" EU. Maybe it'll change in May, who knows, the transition period was 2 years.

[soulshine]

Estonia is "new" EU. Its different from "old" EU. There is restricted movement for "new" EU. Maybe it'll change in May, who knows, the transition period was 2 years.

Thanks!

So what is the difference between EU and new "EU"?
They told me in Kela there is no difference. Is this true? Cause I seriously doubt a EU citizen registered in Finland will not be able to get the Kela card unless he/she gets married... just doesn't make sense to me.

[sammy]

So what is the difference between EU and new "EU"?
They told me in Kela there is no difference. Is this true? Cause I seriously doubt a EU citizen registered in Finland will not be able to get the Kela card unless he/she gets married... just doesn't make sense to me.

In some things there are differences. It's a transition period thing, not only limited to Estonia but the other 1.5.2004 joined EU members as well.

[soulshine]

OK, but then what is the system for "old" EU citizens?
Just curious, since there is only 4 months left till May 2006 (when any restrictions should be lifted).

[Hank W.]

Old EU don't need a work permit.

[soulshine]

Old EU don't need a work permit.

I am now more confused than I was. I have heard that citizens of new EU countries need work permit to work in Finland, however this requirement is rather a formality. The process is completely different from say applying for a work permit for a foreign non-EU citizen. In fact I've met some Estonians in the past who, just few months before Estonia joined the EU in May 2004, were issued a 4 years work permit (FYI a 4 years work permit is impossible for non EU citizens, max you will get is a 3 years one).

So, once again, how is it possible that new EU citizens can live in Finland but not be able to work?

I would greatly appreciate a comment from a citizen of a new EU country, if there is anyone like that on this great forum.

[dave071061]

I'm confused as well, I thought you were asking about Kela card, not work permits.

Even for EU citizans you can only get a Kela card if you are working or studying in Finland, or have family ties to someone who is. That is the reason she can't just apply and recieve one, and that applies to both old and new eu

[soulshine]

I'm confused as well, I thought you were asking about Kela card, not work permits.

Even for EU citizans you can only get a Kela card if you are working or studying in Finland, or have family ties to someone who is. That is the reason she can't just apply and recieve one, and that applies to both old and new eu

Many thanks for the clarification, Dave! Now I understand. Yes, she does plan to work here, so that will be probably the best way to go.

[zam]

Yes, the situation is complex (but _hopefully_ it will ease in the near future):

The work permits for "new EU" citizens have been explained in detail at
http://www.mol.fi/mol/en/02_working/04_ ... /index.jsp

And the Kela Card issue at
http://www.kela.fi/in/internet/english. ... enDocument

[red_hair_girl_1976]

OK, but then what is the system for "old" EU citizens?
Just curious, since there is only 4 months left till May 2006 (when any restrictions should be lifted).

have a two years of kind of probation.they cant claim the social security for example in Finland or any other EU country.It may change in ay this year.It is ok if they come here for work but they cant come here and claim social security benefits.

red

[Hank W.]

Well, nobody can just "come in and claim social security benefits". Its actually sometimes as difficult for returning Finns, who have spent years abroad.

For example, a very nice logic regarding student aid: a foreigner who has entered the country for the reason to study - is not entitled to it. However a foreigner who has entered the country to work, and then takes up studies, is

[red_hair_girl_1976]

Well, nobody can just "come in and claim social security benefits". Its actually sometimes as difficult for returning Finns, who have spent years abroad.

For example, a very nice logic regarding student aid: a foreigner who has entered the country for the reason to study - is not entitled to it. However a foreigner who has entered the country to work, and then takes up studies, is

about worker getting into studying thats true...
i dont know if remember well but before "Old" memebers of EU could come to Finland and search for work for about 6 months and same way claim unemployment benefits here...

red

[Hank W.]

Ah, but it is for 3 months, and one can carry the unemployment benefit from their own country - if they had been on the dole there - with the E303 form. Its all in the EU free movement thing.