Register with the Social Insurance Agency

Are you unemployed and do not know if you have any obligations towards the Social Insurance Agency?

Do I have to register with the Social Insurance Agency if I am unemployed?

No. You are not compulsorily socially insured, so you have no obligations towards the Social Insurance Agency. You do not need to register or pay social insurance contributions. (You will only communicate with the Social Insurance Agency if you apply for unemployment benefits at the agency).

Does this period count for future benefits, e.g. unemployment benefits, maternity benefits, etc.?

No. As nobody pays your insurance for you, this period is not assessed (not counted) for the purposes of social security benefits. However, you can voluntarily take out insurance and pay your own contributions, to be assessed later if you need to receive social insurance benefits.

Is it possible to voluntarily take out insurance while receiving unemployment benefit?

Yes. The fact that you are registered in Register of Job Seekers, or receive unemployment benefit, does not in any way affect the possibility of registering for voluntary insurance. If you choose a comprehensive package (pension, sickness and voluntary unemployment insurance), the period when you voluntarily paid for such insurance will count towards your entitlement to social benefits.

USEFUL TIP: For more information about voluntary insurance, who can be insured and what insurance packages are available, see the section Voluntarily Insured.