Protect your rights across EU borders with new social security rules

Things happen in life – you might lose your job, need time off work to care for your newborn, you may become temporarily ill or permanently disabled… or eventually retire. Social security protects and supports you during all these situations even if you’re living or working in another EU Member State.

The EU has had rules in place for this reason since 2010. However, the labour market has changed since then, and so have countries’ social security systems, which is why the EU has now simplified and modernised its social security coordination rules, taking an important step towards strengthening fair labour mobility in Europe. The new rules will likely take effect in late 2026.

What’s changed

The revised rules benefit everyone, simplifying social security coordination for about 16 million people living or working in another Member State, for businesses and for countries’ administrations. These are the main improvements:

Stronger social security protection across borders: If you work or live in another Member State, your social security rights are better safeguarded. This includes clearer rules for long-term care and family benefits.

Fairer rules to prevent abuse in cross-border work: To tackle fraud, workers must now be covered by social security in their home country for at least three months before being posted abroad. After a 24-month posting, a two-month break is required before another posting can begin. Employers must notify authorities about postings in advance – except for business trips or assignments of up to three days (construction sector excluded). Unsure about notification deadlines? EURES Advisers offer free guidance to employers on posting procedures and social security obligations.

More flexibility for jobseekers moving abroad: If you’re unemployed, you now have more time to look for work in another EU country without losing your right to unemployment benefits. EURES Advisers can help you find these opportunities and explain how to maintain your benefit rights while searching across borders.

Clearer and simpler obligations for companies: Businesses operating in multiple Member States benefit from clearer rules defining which social security laws are applicable, reducing administrative burden and confusion.

Improved cooperation between national authorities: Countries share information more effectively, follow clearer procedures and timelines when the validity of documents is questioned and use new tools to prevent fraud, mistakes and abuse.

If you’re living or working abroad, keep in mind the following:

Each Member State has the right to determine its own social security features, such as which benefits are provided, how they’re calculated and who’s eligible.
You can only be covered by one country’s social security system at a time, and pay contributions in one country only.
If you’re covered by a particular country’s social security system, then you have the same rights and obligations as citizens of that country.
When you claim benefits, your work and insurance history from other countries counts.
If you’re entitled to a pension or other cash benefit, you can generally also receive it even if you or your family lives in another Member State.

To benefit from social security, your work needs to be declared. Read about why it matters for both workers and businesses.

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Declared work benefits all – here’s why it matters to you

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